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Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy) Recipe

Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy) Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Skillet Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked with a fragrant blend of spices, sweet apple slices, shallots, and a luscious apple cider sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines savory and sweet flavors for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices and Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound (454g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 Tablespoon light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) apple slices (about 1/4-inch-thick slices, no need to peel)
  • 1/3 cup (40g) chopped shallots (or yellow onion)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh thyme and rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, ground coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme leaves, and ground black pepper. Mix well to create a balanced seasoning blend.
  2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated with the aromatic herbs and spices.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil to coat the pan. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the hot skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving. Flip the chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm on a plate covered lightly.
  4. Sauté the apples and shallots: Without wiping the skillet, add unsalted butter and swirl it around as it melts. Stir in the brown sugar, apple slices, chopped shallots, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  5. Create the apple cider sauce: Pour the apple cider into the skillet with the apples and shallots. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the cider reduces and thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the apple mixture. Cook together for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to reheat fully.
  7. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, spoon the apple cider sauce and softened apple slices over the chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary if desired, then serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
  • Apple cider is different from apple cider vinegar; ensure you use the sweet cider for this recipe.
  • Do not peel apples; the skin adds texture and nutrients.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
  • Adjust spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweeter profile.
  • Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but you can substitute chicken breasts if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, fall recipes, quick chicken skillet, apple and chicken, savory sweet chicken

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/skillet-apple-cider-chicken-quick-and-easy-recipe/