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French Apple Cider Chicken

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French Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy, French-inspired dish with tender chicken simmered in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce, enriched with Dijon mustard, herbs, and cream. Elegant yet easy, it’s perfect for fall dinners or special weeknights.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 shallots or 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, to thin sauce)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and shallots for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Stir in Dijon mustard and thyme. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until cooked through.
  6. Reduce heat, stir in cream, and simmer another 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens. Add chicken broth if needed to loosen sauce.
  7. Optional: Add apple slices during the final minutes of cooking for added flavor and texture.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and spooning sauce over chicken.

Notes

  • Add a splash of white wine or cider vinegar for a more complex sauce.
  • Use bone-in chicken and adjust cooking time as needed.
  • Dairy-free alternatives like coconut or oat cream work well.
  • Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy twist.
  • Pairs well with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/french-apple-cider-chicken/