Apple Cider Chicken with Sautéed Apples and Rosemary Recipe
A flavorful Apple Cider Chicken recipe featuring tender seared chicken thighs simmered with sweet apples and a tangy rosemary apple cider glaze. This easy skillet meal takes just 35 minutes and is perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 8)
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, divided
Sauce & Apples
- ½ cup fresh apple cider
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 medium sweet apples (like Gala), cored and sliced
- 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken in batches for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest.
- Sauté the Apples: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tsp of olive oil. Add the sliced apples along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté the apples for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: Stir in the fresh apple cider, Dijon mustard, and 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary into the skillet with the apples. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and becomes glossy.
- Finish the Dish: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet. Spoon the apple cider glaze and cooked apples over the chicken. Simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Sprinkle with extra fresh rosemary for garnish. Serve the Apple Cider Chicken warm, paired perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; unfiltered cider works well.
- Choose sweet apple varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a golden crust.
- Make sure to simmer the glaze until slightly reduced for a nice, glossy finish.
- This dish can be prepared ahead; just reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Keywords: apple cider chicken, chicken thighs recipe, apple and chicken skillet, fall dinner recipe, apple rosemary chicken