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Do you want an ideal warming dish for the autumn evening dinners? I’m telling you, this Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken recipe is just the one to make you light your diffusers, grab your chunky knits and fall footed movie socks, and make you want to cozy into a fall movie with a bowl of this recipe.
The dish is also jam packed with Warmth and Comfort from its buttery apple, sweet apple cider and comforting spices, including and not limited to, the raging, and game-changing cinnamon and nutmeg.
Not to mention that your kitchen is going to smell phenomenal and exquisitely delightful from the combination of home-cooked goodness with masterpiece of a fall bakery.
It doesn’t get easier and better than this, a dish your family would love, that is easy and is going to take you a couple of minutes from your week, that you would feel comfortable and proud to serve to guests, and built for the dishwash-less, a game changing one skillet and you are done.
Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe for Cozy Autumn Nights
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat.In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 teaspoon salt, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, and pepper. Sprinkle over chicken.Add oil to skillet. Cook chicken 5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F). Remove and cover.Add butter to skillet. Add brown sugar, apples, shallots, and remaining salt. Cook 5 minutes.Pour in apple cider and simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.Add chicken back and cook 2 minutes.Spoon apple sauce over chicken and garnish if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
Here are a few more stats to help you know why cooking this is right for you this season:
-it is a one pan meal, meaning, you invite fewer dirty dishes.
-your sweet tooth and salty cravings will both get satisfied with this meal.
- Apple cider and cinnamon, warm up the fall spirits even more.
Incredibly tender chicken
No worries about overcooking the chicken thighs, they will still have the juiciest flavor.
Cider sauce makes fall arrive early
Each bite will have autumn in it because of the buttery cider sauce.
Simple ingredients
Nothing crazy here, just some pantry spices and fresh apples.
Ideal for weeknights or dinner parties
It is quick and easy, but it is fancy and delicious enough for a restaurant.
Incredibly, this dish looks and feels complicated, but in reality it is very straight forward and simple.
Kitchen Tools Needed (Short List)
You don’t need much, which is another reason I love this apple cider chicken skillet recipe.
- Large 12-inch skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Tongs
- Small bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
A meat thermometer makes this recipe stress-free, especially when cooking chicken thighs.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy + Detailed)
This recipe comes together quickly, and really quickly and easily.
Step 1. Prepare your skillet.
As you get your seasonings ready, heat your 12 inch skillet on medium.
Step 2. Prepare your seasonings.
Combine 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and your chosen amounts of coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Step 3. Season your chicken.
Sprinkle spice mixture over both sides of the chicken thighs.
Step 4. Brown your chicken.
Add oil of your choice, and your chicken thighs, and flip them each 5 mins.
Your chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 74°C.
Cover your chicken with a light covering, and move it aside.
Step 5. Brown your apples and shallots.
Your skillet should still have some of the oil and chicken, and should have melted butter.
When the butter is melted, add brown sugar, apples, shallots, and 1/4 teaspoon of your remaining salt.
You want to cook it for 5 mins, and stir it occasionally to avoid burning the apples and shallots.
Step 6: Pour the cider in and let it simmer
Pour in the cider and let it go for about five minutes. You want it to thicken a little and the apples should be soft but not mushy.
Step 7: Put the chicken in again
Get the chicken and put it back in the skillet. You want to do this for 2 minutes to get it warm and heated throughout.
Step 8: Serve it up
Pour the mixture of apples on top of the chicken and if you want, you can put some fresh rosemary and thyme for some garnish.
Cooking hacks for the best taste
If you want your Rosemary Apple Cider chicken to taste better than it actually does, these tips will help.
First, avoid overcrowding the pan. If the skillet has too much chicken, it will steam and not seer. That will lose the chicken’s golden flavor.
Second, use a medium heat. The butter burns at high heat which is bad since the butter is part of the sauce and we want it to be rich and not bitter.
Lastly, try to cut your apples at an even width. If you need to go with a fourth of an inch. That way some will be mushy and some will be crunchy.
Allow the cider to simmer long enough so that it thickens a bit. It won’t become gravy consistency, but it should be thick enough to coat the apples and be spoonable over the chicken.
And please, if you can, use a thermometer. Chicken thighs are forgiving, but it’s the easiest way to ensure you have juicy chicken.
Lastly, let the chicken rest before serving. It will help to keep the meat tender and lock the juices in.
Flavor Profile
This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken embodies the essence of a comforting autumnal feast.
The combination of sweet apple cider, warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the savory herbs of thyme and rosemary pair brilliantly together. The sauce, made with butter and brown sugar, creates a silky, caramel-like coating that envelops the apples and chicken, and it’s delicious.
All together, it’s sweet, savory, cozy, and just a little bit herbaceous.
Think of it like fall, in all its glory, has moved into your kitchen.
Apple Cider Chicken – What to Have With It
This fall chicken dinner works great with classic simple side dishes. Here’s my idea.
Mashed potato
Perfect for soaking up every drop of that apple cider sauce.
Roasted sweet potatoes
Enhances the fall vibes and adds to the coziness of the meal.
Rice or wild rice
Great neutral base that allows the sauce to shine.
Crusty bread
You’ll definitely want something to soak up the sauce from the pan.
Roasted Brussels sprouts
The sweet crispy edges provide sauce adds sweetness.
Green beans
Easy, fresh and quick, perfect for weekday dinners.
Simple salad
Brights salad gives a nice contrast to the rich buttery sauce.
This is one of those meals that feels complete no matter what you pair it with.
Variations and Substitutions
The best part of this cozy autumn chicken recipe is the comfort of knowing it is so easy to modify.
If it is chicken breast that you need to use, that is absolutely no problem. Just be sure to cook it the least, and remove it from the pan as soon as it hits 165°F, because chicken breast dries out more quickly than the thighs.
No shallots? That’s fine, use some chopped yellow onion instead. Still delicious.
If you want more of an earthy flavour, consider adding sliced mushrooms when you cook the apples and shallots. They will soak up the cider sauce nicely.
If you want it to be crunchy, and to vary the texture, add some chopped walnuts on top just before serving.
If you want some creaminess, you will want to add a little splash of heavy cream at the very end. It will make the cider sauce so rich and dreamy.
If you are a spicy person, this is a good spot to add a pinch of chili flakes. The sweet apples and spicy kick is a very underrated combination.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
One of the best things about the Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken, is it keeps superbly well. Making it a great option for meal prep.
Store everything in a refrigerator and airtight container for 3 to 4 days. If the sauce appears thick, or the butter has solidified, don’t worry. This is a normal occurrence.
To reheat, warm the sauce over the stove on quiet heat until it’s hot. This can also be done in the microwave in small intervals.
To loosen sauce, and help the sauce to be fully usable, add a small splash of apple cider or water to the sauce when it’s reheating.
FAQ Section
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
In some circumstances, apple juice can be used. However, apple juice does not have the same richness, depth or flavor that is present in apple cider.
What apples are best for cooking?
Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp apples are best for baking as they have a sweeter taste and retain their form.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Fully cook it, then store it in the refrigerator. It can be reheated before it is served.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze this dish, but the apple might be softer when it is unfrozen. However, it can be still tasty.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Your sauce may be too thin because it has not simmered long enough. The reduction and thickness of the cider require additional time to cook.
Final Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious and soothing dish to make you feel warm and cozy, look no further. The Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken is buttery, sweet, and savory. It’s made with all of the scrumptious fall ingredients.
To be honest, just about any meal could be described as a big warm hug.
I look forward to you trying this easy one pan dish, especially if you’re in the mood for something warm and soothing on one of those chilly nights.
If you happen to make the Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken, make sure to leave a comment on the apples you used and don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it on Pinterest!
