Name: Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 shallots, thinly sliced; 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

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This skillet apple cider chicken is one of my favorite fall dinners because it’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just 35 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are coated in warm spices, seared to perfection, and then simmered in a buttery apple cider pan sauce with sweet apples and shallots. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for autumn evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a one-pan meal that tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant, but it’s simple enough for a weeknight. The spices bring out the savory richness of the chicken, while the apple cider and brown sugar add just the right amount of sweetness. I also like how the apples soften in the sauce—they make each bite feel warm and seasonal. Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy)

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil or butter
Apple cider
Brown sugar
Shallots, thinly sliced
Apples, sliced
Garlic
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground allspice
Salt and black pepper
Fresh rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken thighs generously with the spice mixture, salt, and pepper.
I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until the skin is golden and crisp. I flip and cook until the chicken is nearly cooked through, then remove it from the skillet.
In the same skillet, I sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
I add the apple slices and cook for a few minutes until they soften slightly.
I pour in the apple cider and stir in the brown sugar, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
I return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
I garnish with fresh rosemary before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time takes 10 minutes, cooking takes around 25 minutes, so the total time is about 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use boneless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts if that’s what I have on hand, adjusting the cooking time as needed. For a creamier sauce, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. If I want more tang, I add a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the pan sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of extra apple cider to keep the sauce from drying out. Skillet Apple Cider Chicken (Quick & Easy)

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, but I prefer cider because it has a deeper, more spiced flavor. If using apple juice, I sometimes add a pinch more cinnamon.

What apples work best for this recipe?

I like firm varieties such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they hold their shape during cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the chicken and sauce a few hours in advance and reheat gently before serving.

Do I need to remove the chicken skin?

No, I keep the skin on because it crisps up beautifully and adds flavor to the sauce, but I remove it if I want a lighter dish.

What can I serve with apple cider chicken?

I usually pair it with green beans, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

This skillet apple cider chicken is a fall-inspired dish I love making again and again. With its warm spices, tender chicken, and sweet-savory sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that feels special but fits easily into a weeknight dinner routine.