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one pan apple cider chicken recipe

Golden One Pan Apple Cider Chicken

Avatar photoMarla Jennings
A delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, this one pan apple cider chicken offers a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-iron skillet
  • 1 Tongs
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
  • Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
  • Set chicken aside and reduce heat to medium.
  • Add onions and garlic to the skillet, sauté until translucent.
  • Pour in apple cider to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
  • Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove chicken, increase heat, and reduce sauce by half. Stir in Dijon mustard.

Serving

  • Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, garnish with thyme, and serve.

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

Pro Tips: Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken for a perfect sear. Let the sauce reduce properly for concentrated flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use chicken breasts for a lighter option. Substitute apple juice for cider if needed.
How to Serve: Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad works well too.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store separately, and combine when ready to serve.
Keyword apple cider chicken recipe, easy chicken skillet, one pan apple cider chicken