Description

Cozy Apple Cider Chicken Thighs is a comforting, one-pan meal featuring crispy, seared chicken thighs simmered in a savory-sweet apple cider sauce with apples, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for chilly nights and effortless entertaining.

Ingredients

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
2 firm apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced
Optional: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (for slurry)

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Instructions

Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Pour in apple cider and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard and add fresh thyme or rosemary.
Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Nestle sliced apples around the chicken.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Optional: Remove chicken and apples; stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer sauce until thickened. Return everything to the pan and spoon sauce over top.
Serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, wild rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

Use boneless chicken thighs for faster cooking (adjust time).Hard cider can be substituted for a deeper, adult flavor.Add root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a one-pan meal.For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream before serving.To thicken the sauce without cornstarch, simmer uncovered to reduce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and apples
Calories: 360
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg