Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings cozy fall vibes straight to your dinner table, let me share my favorite Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe. This one-pan wonder marries tender, juicy chicken thighs with sweet, slightly caramelized apples, all bathed in a gorgeous apple cider sauce. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—it’s like a warm hug in food form. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests. Trust me, you’ll want to stick around to see how easy and delicious this dish is!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, down-to-earth ingredients you probably have on hand or can easily find. The blend of warm spices paired with fresh apples and apple cider brings out the best in that chicken, and you don’t need anything fancy to make it sing.

• Salt: Essential for seasoning—dividing it helps layer the flavor perfectly on chicken and apples.
• Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy aroma that wakes up the dish without overpowering it.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives that warm, slightly sweet autumn touch that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Ground nutmeg: Use sparingly; it’s a secret ingredient that deepens the flavor complexity.
• Dried thyme leaves: Adds herbal earthiness, balancing the sweetness.
• Ground black pepper: For a hint of bite and to round out the spices.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: My go-to choice because they stay juicy and cook evenly.
• Unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky sauce and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Just enough to lightly sweeten and help the apples soften and caramelize.
• Apple slices: I don’t peel mine—the skin adds nice texture. Look for sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Gala.
• Chopped shallots (or yellow onion): Bring sweetness and depth to the cider sauce.
• Apple cider: Not vinegar—this is the star liquid that makes the sauce tangy and lightly fruity.
• Optional fresh thyme and rosemary: For garnish and an extra herbal pop.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe is. I’ve tweaked it here and there, and you’ll find it’s forgiving enough to customize so it suits your preferences perfectly.

• Use pork chops instead of chicken: I once swapped in pork chops when hosting, and the apples and cider worked wonderfully with the pork’s richness.
• Add a splash of cream: For a richer sauce, stir in a bit of heavy cream at the end—it’s like comfort food heaven.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for crispy pan-fried tofu or roasted cauliflower, and keep the apples and sauce for flavor.
• Use fresh or dried herbs: Thyme and rosemary are great, but sage or even parsley can add a fun twist.

How to Make Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Warm Spices

Start by mixing the salt, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, dried thyme, and pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is what makes the chicken so flavorful and pairs perfectly with the apples. Sprinkle it evenly over both sides of your chicken thighs. I pinch myself every time how these simple spices turn plain chicken into something magical.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Heat your skillet over medium heat—you’ll want a nice, hot pan. I swear by my trusty cast iron for that perfect sear, but any heavy-bottomed skillet works. Drizzle in a bit of oil, swirl it around, and add the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until you see a gorgeous golden crust, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (aim for 165°F internally). Then pop the chicken onto a plate and cover lightly to keep warm while you move on.

Step 3: Cook the Apples and Shallots with Butter and Brown Sugar

Without wiping out the pan—trust me, you want all those caramelized bits for flavor—add the butter. Let it melt and coat the pan, then stir in brown sugar, the apple slices, chopped shallots, and the remaining salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the apples start to soften. This step is where the sweet and savory come together so beautifully—you’ll start smelling fall in your kitchen!

Step 4: Simmer the Apple Cider Sauce and Finish

Pour in the apple cider and keep stirring occasionally while it simmers and reduces for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and concentrate in flavor. Then nestle the chicken back into the pan, letting everything meld together for 2 more minutes. This final touch finishes the dish perfectly!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon that luscious apple mixture over the chicken and garnish with fresh thyme and rosemary if you like a pop of green and aroma. I love doing this because it adds a fresh, fragrant note that balances the rich sauce.

How to Serve Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I typically use fresh thyme and rosemary when serving this dish—I love how the fresh herbs add vibrant aroma and a splash of color. You can also sprinkle a few toasted pecans or walnuts for some texture contrast. I find it really elevates the dish for guests without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

This skillet chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or even a simple side of buttered egg noodles. For a lighter touch, I love serving it alongside garlicky green beans or a crisp autumn salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner party, I like to present the chicken family-style on a large platter, drizzling the cider sauce over the top and surrounding it with extra apple slices and herb sprigs. You can also plate it individually with a small ramekin of sauce on the side for dipping. It’s a simple dish that looks impressive when you give it a little extra attention.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The butter in the cider sauce will firm up when cold, but don’t worry—it melts back perfectly during reheating without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

While I haven’t frozen this exact recipe often, you can freeze it in portions by wrapping well in freezer-safe containers. Just be aware that the apples might soften a bit more after thawing, so I usually prefer to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

When reheating, I recommend warming it gently on the stove over medium heat so the sauce melds back beautifully and the chicken stays tender. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just heat it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Chicken with Apples and Cider Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly became a household favorite in my kitchen—and I bet it will in yours, too. It’s a perfect mix of comforting and fresh, savory and sweet, all cozy enough for fall yet simple enough to toss together anytime you want a little deliciousness with minimal fuss. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor the magic of apples and cider turning humble chicken into something special. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!

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