When I first moved out of my parent’s house, I’ll admit, I was a terrible cook. One of the very first meals I learned to make was a simple apple onion chicken. It wasn’t fancy, but it was easy, comforting, and it stuck with me.
Years later, I decided to revisit that nostalgic dish and give it an upgrade. The result? This Apple Cider Chicken.
Let’s be honest: apple cider chicken just sounds a little more exciting than apple onion chicken. This version layers in cozy fall flavors with apple cider, cinnamon, and a lightly tangy glaze that turns a simple skillet dinner into something incredible.
The best part? It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it even passed the test with some of the pickiest eaters in my household, which is saying something.
This recipe is also naturally:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Grain-free
It’s a great option if you’re cooking for different dietary needs.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Chicken
One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it’s simple and made with pantry staples.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer white meat)
- Apples
- Onions
- Apple cider
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic
- Mustard
- Cinnamon
- Salt & Pepper
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Cast iron skillet (recommended for a great sear, but any skillet works)
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan
How to Make Apple Cider Chicken
This easy skillet dinner comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknights.
1. Make the apple cider glaze
In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, mustard, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occassionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the apples and onions
Chop three medium apples (I used Pink Lady apples, but any slightly tart variety works well) and one large onion. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter or oil. Add the the apples and onions to the pan and sauté for about one minute to begin softening them.
3. Add the chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet with the apples and onions. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Finish with the glaze
Pour the apple cide glaze into the skillet and let warm through for about one minute, allowing it to coat the chicken and apples. Remove from heat and serve.
How to Serve Apple Cider Chicken
This dish is delicous on its own, but it pairs weel with savory sides to balance the natural sweetness of the apple and cider.
Great serving ideas include:
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Cheesy broccoli orzo
- Cauliflower rice
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they store well and taste just as good the next day. Reheat in the microwave or warm on the sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (my personal favorite for bringing the texture back.
More Chicken Thigh Recipes:
Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 3 medium-sized tart apples chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add apple cider, cinnamon, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and cornstarch. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Allow to simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add chopped onions and apples to a cast iron pan or skillet and sauté for one minute.
- Sprinkle chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook with apples and onions until the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
- Add the glaze back to the pan and simmer for approximately one minute. Remove the pan from the heat and serve!
Jenny is a wife and stay at home mother of two. She loves good food, and enjoys experimenting in the kitchen. When she’s not busy chasing kids, you can find her digging into a good book, enjoying the great outdoors, and trying not to kill her houseplants.
