Name: Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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); fresh thyme and rosemary, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that dazzles with warm, cozy flavors but comes together in a single pan, this Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken thighs mingle with sweet, caramelized apples in a rich apple cider sauce that’s seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices. Every bite is a comforting hug of fall-inspired goodness, and best of all, you only need one skillet to create this beautiful, homemade meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl contains a mix of spices with a dry texture in warm brown and reddish tones with small light brown herb pieces scattered throughout. A black plastic spoon with a matte finish rests inside the bowl, partially scooping the spice mix. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the textures and colors of the spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients work harmoniously to bring out the best in this skillet dish. Each component contributes not just flavor but texture and inviting color that make the final plate irresistible.

Salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in two stages for perfect seasoning.
Ground coriander (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle citrusy warmth that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Brings cozy autumnal notes that pair beautifully with the apples.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of nutmeg introduces a nutty spice to deepen the sauce’s complexity.
Dried thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with an earthy herbal aroma, complementing the poultry perfectly.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Tender and juicy, thighs stay moist during cooking and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a silky richness in the sauce and helps caramelize the apples.
Light or dark brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the apples naturally and enhances caramelization.
Apple slices (2 cups): Fresh, thinly sliced with the peel left on for extra color and texture in the sauce.
Chopped shallots or yellow onion (1/3 cup): Adds a mild, savory sweetness that complements the apples and spices.
Apple cider (1/3 cup): The star of the sauce, providing a sweet-tart liquid base without the bite of vinegar.
Optional fresh thyme and rosemary: Perfect for garnishing, adding an herbal flourish to your presentation and flavor.

How to Make Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Spice Blend and Chicken

Start by mixing the salt, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is the secret sauce behind the fantastic depth of flavor in this recipe. Sprinkle it evenly over both sides of your chicken thighs, ensuring every bite is bursting with these cozy spices. This step lays the foundation for the entire dish and gets your chicken beautifully seasoned before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat your 12-inch skillet on medium heat and drizzle in a little oil to coat the surface. Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed. After about 5 minutes, flip and cook the other side until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This initial sear locks in the juicy flavor and creates a slightly crispy crust that contrasts wonderfully with the tender apples to come.

Step 3: Cook the Apples and Shallots in Butter

Once the chicken is resting on a plate, add unsalted butter directly into the skillet—there’s no need to clean out the pan because those delicious browned bits add flavor. Add your brown sugar, apple slices, and shallots, seasoning them with the remaining salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally until the apples soften and begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. This step infuses the dish with a lovely sweet-savory balance that’s essential for the Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe magic.

Step 4: Simmer the Apple Cider Sauce

Pour the apple cider into the skillet and let it cook down, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly into a luscious sauce, about 5 minutes. This sauce is where the bright, fruity flavor of the cider shines, perfectly mingling with the buttery sweetness and spiced apples. Once your sauce is ready, nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet and let everything mingle for a couple more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld gloriously.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat, spoon the glossy apple and shallot mixture over the chicken, and if you have fresh herbs on hand, sprinkle thyme and rosemary over the top for an elegant touch. This finishing step not only brightens the visual appeal but also adds a fragrant herbal note that makes each bite even more inviting.

How to Serve Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dish with seven golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken layered across the plate, each piece browned with a slightly crispy texture. Interspersed between and on top of the chicken pieces are thick slices of warm, pale yellow to orange apples with hints of red skin, carrying a lightly cooked softness. Scattered rosemary sprigs add green touches, enhancing the rustic and fresh look. A light, glossy sauce coats the entire dish, making the chicken and apples glisten slightly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary not only add a pop of green to your presentation but also release subtle herbal oils when you serve the dish warm. If you want to take it up a notch, a light drizzle of extra apple cider or a few toasted nuts can add texture and complexity to your plate.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles that soak up every drop of the cider sauce. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad add freshness and a contrasting crunch, making your meal balanced and satisfying from start to finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, consider serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board alongside warm crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Alternatively, arrange the chicken over a bed of wild rice or quinoa punctuated with dried cranberries for an extra festive and colorful dish. Presentation is all about making your meal feel as special as the flavors you’ve crafted.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chances are you’ll have some delicious leftovers, and the good news is this dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so the flavors continue to meld, and the butter in the sauce will solidify but re-melt nicely when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of fresh apples changes slightly after freezing, but the sauce and chicken will still taste fantastic once thawed.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to bring the sauce back to its silky goodness. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover it loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they stay juicy, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is it necessary to use apple cider, or can I substitute something else?

Apple cider is key for its sweet and tangy profile without the harshness of vinegar. If you can’t find it, a mix of apple juice with a splash of lemon juice can work, but it may change the depth of flavor slightly.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in the Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just double-check your spices and any store-bought additions to ensure there’s no cross-contamination.

What kind of apples work best?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are perfect. They hold their shape and offer a natural sweetness that complements the spices and chicken without turning mushy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a neutral oil like avocado or coconut oil. The dish will still be delicious, though the sauce may lose a bit of its silky richness.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is a total winner when you want a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It’s easy enough for any night of the week but impressive enough to serve for guests. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch how the sweet and savory flavors come alive in one satisfying skillet dish you’ll want to make again and again.