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If you love apple cider and are looking for a quick and easy dish during the fall, this apple cider chicken might fit the bill. You can never go wrong with a recipe that can be completed in under 30 minutes.
There are just so many ways to cook chicken - from chicken Francesce to chicken with white wine sauce.
I have to admit I've never been a huge apple juice fan. I can't really give a great reason, but apple cider on the other hand, I can drink that by the gallon. So while we're in peak apple season here in Maryland, I'm looking not only for any excuse to drink apple cider, but cook with it as well!
Shoot I love cider so much, I used it for our signature drink when my wife and I got married! If you haven't tried that drink by the way, drop what you're doing and make it now!
But back to this apple cider chicken. It's one of those quick and easy dishes that can be made in under 30 minutes which I'm all about. I know a ton of people think chicken is bland, but I always use this to my advantage.
What makes chicken great and so versatile is the seasonings and sauces you can use to highlight it. And with this apple cider chicken, the apple cider is the star! So if you're looking something that tastes like fall and couldn't be easier to make, give this dish a try.
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Recipe Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - can also use thighs.
- Salt and black pepper - enhances the flavor.
- Olive oil and unsalted butter - used to cook the chicken and produce.
- Yellow onion, garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme - complements the apple flavor.
- All-purpose flour - helps thicken the sauce.
- Chicken stock - low-sodium is best.
- Apple cider - use quality cider as that is where the flavor comes from.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Add onion and cook for 5-7 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and poultry blend and cook for another 30 seconds. Next, add the flour and whisk until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and apple cider to deglaze the pan. Bring sauce to boil then reduce to simmer.
- Add chicken back in and cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened. Spoon sauce over chicken when serving.
Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
In general no. Apple juice is much sweeter than apple cider so the recipe would be overly sweet. You could help offset it with some lemon juice or apple cider vinegar but apple cider is the way to go.
Side Dish Options
Wild rice is usually a go-to of mine, but mashed potatoes also work great.
You could also serve it over some pasta – any type you like. And if you’re low-carb, go with cauliflower rice or zoodles.
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Use chicken cutlets or cut chicken breasts in half so the chicken is thin enough to cook quickly.
- Add cold oil to a cold skillet and let heat up to proper temperature before adding the chicken. You’ll know it is ready when the oil starts to shimmer.
- You know the chicken is cooked when it reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer or if you cut into the chicken and the juices run clear and there is no pink. Honestly, I always just cut the chicken to see when it is done. If it isn’t just cook slightly longer.
Similar Recipes
- Chicken Piccata
- Chicken Paprikash
- Chicken Saltimbocca
- Honey Lemon Chicken
- Autumn Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
If you’ve tried this apple cider chicken or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Apple Cider Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (pounded to 1/2" thickness)
- salt + pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp poultry blend (rosemary, sage, thyme), chopped
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2/3 cup apple cider
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and place in skillet. Cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. (It does not need to be cooked through as it will cook the rest of the way later)
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter. Add onion and cook for 5-7 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and poultry blend and cook for another 30 seconds. Next, add the flour and whisk until it is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add the chicken stock and apple cider to deglaze the pan. Bring sauce to boil then reduce to simmer.
- Add chicken back in and cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened. Spoon sauce over chicken when serving.
Notes
- Use chicken cutlets or cut chicken breasts in half so the chicken is thin enough to cook quickly.
- Add cold oil to a cold skillet and let heat up to proper temperature before adding the chicken. You’ll know it is ready when the oil starts to shimmer.
- You know the chicken is cooked when it reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer or if you cut into the chicken and the juices run clear and there is no pink. Honestly, I always just cut the chicken to see when it is done. If it isn’t just cook slightly longer.
- Leftovers will store well in the fridge for 2-3 days in an air-tight container or be frozen for 3 months.
Never thought of using apple cider in something like this!