Imagine a dish that transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma! This Apple Cider Chicken Skillet is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that combines the rustic charm of tender chicken with the sweet and tangy essence of autumn's favorite beverage. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet impressive dinner that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 apples, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 cup of apple cider, 1 sliced onion, 2 sliced apples, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh thyme for garnish.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, indicating it's ready for cooking.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side to brown them slightly.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced apples to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples start to soften.
- Pour in 1 cup of apple cider, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits from the chicken and vegetables.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and ensure they are nestled into the apple and onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- To serve, place the chicken thighs on a plate, spoon the apple and onion mixture over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Chicken Skillet!
Tips
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness. The bones help retain moisture during cooking.
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides even heat distribution and helps create a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't rush the deglazing process - scraping those browned bits from the bottom of the pan adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- If the sauce is too thin, you can create a quick slurry with cornstarch and water to thicken it in the final minutes of cooking.
- Fresh thyme is recommended, but dried thyme can be a good substitute if fresh herbs aren't available.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, pairing well with roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg