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Apple Cider Chicken Recipe Perfect for Cozy Fall Nights

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A comforting fall dish featuring tender chicken, tangy apple cider, and warm spices, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh, unfiltered apple cider
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in fresh thyme and a pinch of cinnamon.
  5. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the skillet partially and let the chicken cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the heat to medium-low and let the sauce reduce slightly.
  7. Stir in the butter to enrich the sauce and give it a glossy finish.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chicken with a generous drizzle of sauce over the top.

Notes

[‘Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.’, ‘Take your time to get a golden, crispy skin when searing the chicken.’, ‘Scrape up browned bits from the pan when deglazing for maximum flavor.’, ‘If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, fall recipe, comfort food, chicken dinner, autumn flavors

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/apple-cider-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-cozy-fall-nights/