![['Close-up of a skillet filled with apple cider chicken, showcasing juicy chicken thighs and sliced apples.', 'Side view of a delicious Apple Cider Chicken Skillet, featuring golden-brown chicken and vibrant apple slices.', 'Image of a cast iron skillet with tender chicken thighs and aromatic ingredients, highlighting a savory apple cider sauce.', 'Close-up shot of an Apple Cider Chicken dish, garnished with fresh thyme and surrounded by sliced onions and apples.']](https://smarthealthyrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/apple-cider-chicken-skillet_1_U1.webp)
Apple Cider Chicken Skillet
A flavorful and comforting chicken dish simmered in apple cider with caramelized apples and onions, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced into thin half moons)
- 2 medium apples (cored and cut into 1/2-inch slices (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith))
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.125 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.75 cup apple cider
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken in oil until golden, then set aside.
- Sauté onions and apples in butter until caramelized, then add garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour in apple cider and broth, add mustard, then return chicken and simmer until cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream, warm through, garnish with thyme, and serve.
Notes
Use a good quality apple cider for best flavor.