Description
This Skillet Apple Cider Chicken captures all the cozy flavors of fall in one pan. Juicy chicken breasts are simmered in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze with caramelized apples, onions, and herbs. It’s a quick, comforting, and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richness)
- 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter (to finish sauce)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add onions and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and sliced apples. Cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
- Make the Apple Cider Sauce: Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, thyme, and apple cider vinegar. Scrape up browned bits for flavor. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in butter to give the sauce a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with rosemary and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
Notes
For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider—not juice. Chicken thighs make the dish extra juicy, while maple syrup adds a deep fall sweetness. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg