This Apple Cider Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to impress! Juicy chicken pieces are cooked in a tasty apple cider sauce with hints of garlic and herbs.
The best part? It fills your kitchen with a warm, cozy smell that makes you want to gather everyone around the table. I love serving it with rice or mashed potatoes—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the dish moist and flavorful. If you prefer, boneless, skinless thighs can work too, just reduce cooking time as they cook faster.
Apple: I like using a sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you’re looking for a tart flavor, Granny Smith is great. No apples? Pears can be a nice substitute!
Apple Cider: Look for 100% pure apple cider for the best flavor. If you don’t have cider, apple juice can work, but it will be sweeter. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe if needed.
Bacon: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon or mushrooms can give a similar umami kick.
How Do You Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that crispy skin on chicken thighs is all about the searing process. Start with a hot skillet! Here are some quick tips:
- Pat the chicken dry to remove moisture, which helps with crispiness.
- Heat the olive oil until shimmering before adding the chicken. This ensures it browns nicely.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; give each piece space to cook evenly.
When you flip the chicken, don’t move it around too much. Let it sit for those few crucial minutes, so it develops that lovely golden crust!
Apple Cider Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large apple, cored and cut into chunks (leave skin on)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 slices of cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Chicken recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes of cooking time, bringing your total to about 40 minutes. Perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready ahead of time ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help them get crispy. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper — seasoning is key for flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onions (if using) and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant and the onions become soft. This step builds a delicious base for your dish.
5. Add Apples and Bacon:
Add the apple chunks and chopped bacon to the skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The combination of apple and bacon brings a wonderful flavor to the dish.
6. Mix in Liquids and Thyme:
Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the thyme sprigs to infuse the dish with herby goodness.
7. Return Chicken to Skillet:
Now, place the seared chicken thighs back in the skillet on top of the apple and bacon mixture, skin-side up.
8. Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the apples are tender.
9. Finish and Garnish:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Discard the thyme sprigs and spoon some of the delicious pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely presentation.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Apple Cider Chicken with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy this cozy, flavorful dish!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will work, but you’ll want to reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes since they cook faster. Make sure they still reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Type of Apples Are Best for Apple Cider Chicken?
Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji are ideal for this dish, but you can also use tart apples like Granny Smith for a contrasting flavor. Just choose apples that are firm and not too soft to hold up well during cooking.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the apple cider mixture a few hours before cooking or even the night before. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before cooking for even baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cider to keep it moist.