This Apple Cider Chicken is a hearty dish that combines tender chicken, sweet apple cider, and savory spices. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
The best part? The sweet smell while it cooks makes your kitchen feel cozy. It’s a dish that even your picky eaters will ask for more of! 🍏🍗
I love serving it with rice to soak up the tasty sauce. It’s easy to make, and I can whip it up any night of the week for a yummy family dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in and skin-on thighs provide juicy meat and extra flavor. If you prefer low-fat options, substitute with skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they can dry out faster.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider is best for its sweet, rich flavor. If you can’t find it, use unsweetened apple juice mixed with a splash of vinegar to mimic the tang and sweetness.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang to the dish. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard or even a bit of apple butter can work as a substitute. Adjust to taste!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is fantastic here! If you only have dried thyme, use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Achieve a Crispy Chicken Skin?
Crispy skin can elevate any chicken dish! Here’s how you can get that perfect crispiness:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the skin quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can trap steam and make the skin soggy.
- After searing, don’t skip the oven step! Roasting helps finish cooking while keeping the skin crispy.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious, perfectly cooked Apple Cider Chicken that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!
How to Make Apple Cider Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Veggies:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a richer sauce)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting the oven hot first will help cook the chicken perfectly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. This adds lots of flavor!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the thighs and cook for another 3 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the quartered onions, peeled garlic cloves, and quartered red potatoes. Stir and cook everything for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to brown slightly.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the apple cider and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce!
6. Mix in the Seasoning:
Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh thyme leaves. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes to combine all those lovely flavors.
7. Return the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them among the potatoes and onions, skin side up. Spoon some of that delicious sauce over the chicken.
8. Roast in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and the potatoes to be tender.
9. (Optional) Enrich the Sauce:
Once out of the oven, you can stir in the optional butter into the sauce for an extra touch of richness. It makes the sauce so luscious!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the dish with additional fresh thyme before serving. Enjoy your Apple Cider Chicken hot, spooning that flavorful sauce and roasted potatoes alongside. It goes perfectly with steamed rice or a green vegetable!
Dig in and enjoy the cozy flavors of this delicious dish!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer! Just be aware that chicken breasts can dry out more easily, so you might want to reduce the cooking time. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and check doneness a little earlier, around 20-25 minutes.
Can I Use Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into even sizes for uniform cooking!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also add a splash of apple cider or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the vegetables and season the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the instructions starting from searing the chicken! This dish is great for meal prepping!
