Description
Apple Cider Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy and sweet apple cider sauce with fragrant herbs, caramelized onions, and crisp apple slices. The combination of apple cider, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard creates a balanced sauce that complements the savory chicken perfectly, making it a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce and Flavorings
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Vegetables and Fruit
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium-sized apples, cored and sliced
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust but are not fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the thinly sliced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and sprinkle dried thyme. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer with chicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, submerging them partially in the sauce. Cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking so they soften slightly but retain a bit of crunch.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts, arrange the apple slices alongside, and generously drizzle the thickened apple cider sauce over the top.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier outcome, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried if available, doubling the quantity for more robust flavor.
- Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- To make it gluten free, ensure the chicken broth used contains no gluten additives.
