Description
These Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs are the perfect cozy, fall-inspired dish. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are slow-braised in apple cider, aromatics, and fresh herbs, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for special occasions!
Ingredients
Units
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- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook until soft and caramelized (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze & Braise:
- Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Add the sliced apples around the chicken.
- Simmer & Cook:
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until chicken is tender.
- For a crispy skin, place the skillet under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden.
- Optional Thickening:
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer until thickened.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh thyme and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of dry white wine before deglazing with cider.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a lighter version—just reduce cooking time to 20-25 minutes.
- Pairs well with roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg