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Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with warm spices, sautéed apples, shallots, and a slightly sweet apple cider sauce. This easy-to-make skillet dinner highlights the natural sweetness of fresh apples combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and coriander, making it perfect for cozy weeknight meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spices

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) apple slices (about 1/4-inch-thick slices, no need to peel)
  • 1/3 cup (40g) chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
  • Optional: fresh thyme and rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the skillet and spices: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Choose a cast iron skillet or any skillet of similar size for best results.
  2. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 teaspoon of salt, ground coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
  3. Cook the chicken: Add a drizzle of oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet, place on a plate, and cover lightly to keep warm.
  4. Make the apple cider sauce: Without cleaning the skillet, add butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the pan. Stir in brown sugar, apple slices, shallots, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until apples soften.
  5. Simmer with apple cider: Pour in the apple cider and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and cook together for 2 more minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and spoon the apple mixture over the chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary if desired, and serve immediately.
  7. Storage and reheating: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days. The butter may solidify when cold but will melt again upon reheating either on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.

Notes

  • Use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to maintain the sweet, fruity flavor of the sauce.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for tenderness, but bone-in thighs can be used if cooked longer to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • For added flavor, feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
  • Apple varieties such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith can be used depending on your preference for sweetness or tartness.
  • Leftovers reheat well, but store covered to avoid drying out the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, skillet chicken recipe, autumn dinner, easy chicken dinner, apple chicken skillet, chicken thighs with apple sauce, weeknight dinner, comforting chicken recipe

Find it online: https://todayfoodrecipe.com/skillet-apple-cider-chicken-recipe/