Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
This Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy and flavorful dish perfect for Christmas gatherings, featuring tender chicken thighs paired with sweet apples and a rich cider sauce.
Equipment
- Oven
- Large bowl
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4-5 pieces Bone-In Chicken Thighs
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- Salt and Pepper
- 1 piece Red Onion, sliced
- 1-2 pieces Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
- 2-3 pieces additional Rosemary Sprigs
- Olive oil
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter
- 3/4 cup Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 cloves Garlic, finely diced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and season the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken thighs in a heated oven-safe skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add sliced onions and apples around the chicken, garnish with rosemary, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken and apples, then make the sauce by simmering butter, apple cider, broth (or wine), Dijon mustard, and garlic in the skillet.
- Return the chicken and apples to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and serve.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken skin is thoroughly dried with a paper towel before seasoning. Do not wash the skillet after searing; the browned bits enhance the flavor of the sauce. Using a large, oven-safe skillet allows for a seamless transition from stovetop to oven and back.