Go Back
+ servings
French Apple Cider Chicken

Delicious French Apple Cider Chicken for Cozy Dinners

A comforting French Apple Cider Chicken with juicy thighs, creamy sauce, and rich flavors, perfect for cozy dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on yields the best results
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh cloves are best
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion can swap with shallots for a sweeter note
  • 2 pieces Apple crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji
  • 1 cup Apple Cider dry French apple cider is ideal
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream try half-and-half for lighter version or plant-based cream
For the Herb Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme fresh enhances aroma; can use dried
  • 1 teaspoon Rosemary optional but recommended

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in sliced apples and herbs. Cook for 2-3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
  5. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Remove the chicken again and stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet to warm for 2-3 minutes, garnish with fresh thyme and parsley, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 34gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!