Perfect Apple Cider Chicken Skillet for Weeknights

This Apple Cider Chicken Skillet is the ultimate fall-inspired dinner—cozy, sweet, and savory in every bite. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then gently simmered in a buttery apple cider sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and caramelized onions. The result is a warm, comforting one-pan meal that perfectly captures the flavors of autumn.

Whether you’re searching for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive yet effortless dish for guests, this apple cider chicken delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Serve it with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete fall feast the whole family will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

🍎 Perfect Sweet & Savory Balance: Apple cider adds natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory chicken, herbs, and butter.

🥘 Easy One-Pan Dinner: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more flavor.

🌿 Classic Fall Comfort Food: Fresh apples, thyme, and rich pan sauce make this dish feel cozy and seasonal.

⏱️ Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

This Apple Cider Chicken recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cozy, flavorful skillet dinner:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional, for a thinner sauce)

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How to Make Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

This one-pan chicken dinner comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy fall meals.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step locks in moisture and builds flavor for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze with Apple Cider

Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard and thyme, then let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor.

Step 4: Add Apples and Chicken

Add the sliced apples to the skillet and return the chicken to the pan. If you prefer a thinner sauce, pour in the chicken broth at this stage. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the apples are tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon the warm apple cider sauce and caramelized apples over the chicken before serving. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Chicken

🍏 Use real apple cider, not apple juice: Fresh apple cider adds deeper flavor with balanced sweetness and gentle acidity, while apple juice can be overly sugary and one-dimensional.

🧈 Don’t skip the sear: Searing the chicken until golden brown locks in moisture and creates rich, savory flavor that carries through the entire dish. Those browned bits left in the pan are essential for building a delicious sauce.

🌿 Add a splash of cream for richness: For an extra-luxurious finish, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end of cooking. This softens the cider’s acidity and creates a smooth, velvety sauce without overpowering the apple flavor.

🔥 Caramelize the apples slightly: Let the apple slices cook undisturbed until lightly golden. This step intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth, texture, and a subtle buttery note to the dish.

🌰 Balance the sweetness: If the sauce tastes too sweet, a small splash of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard can help balance the flavors and enhance the savory elements.

🕒 Avoid overcooking the chicken: Simmer gently and remove the chicken once it reaches doneness to keep it tender and juicy.

🍽️ Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh, aromatic finish just before serving.

Variations

• Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end.
• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra texture.
• Swap the Protein: This sauce also works wonderfully with pork chops or turkey cutlets.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Buttery rice or couscous
• Warm crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce
  

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cider or broth to keep it moist.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?
No — it’s too strong. Use real apple cider or unsweetened apple juice for best flavor.

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time by 10–15 minutes until fully cooked through.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Chicken Skillet brings the perfect balance of cozy sweetness and savory richness to your table. Quick, flavorful, and beautifully autumnal — it’s a one-pan meal you’ll make again and again. 🍎✨