This one-pan apple cider chicken skillet is a true lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful without a lot of fuss.
It brings together the comforting tastes of fall in a healthy, easy-to-prepare meal that the whole family will love. Imagine tender chicken infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of fall dinner recipes. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pan apple cider chicken skillet is a true lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and flavorful without a lot of fuss. It brings together the comforting tastes of fall in a healthy, easy-to-prepare meal that the whole family will love. Imagine tender chicken infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apple cider, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of fall dinner recipes. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the essence of the season, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed over the chicken.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.
3. Saute the Apples: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced apples to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the apples for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly and turn a light golden color. They should still have a bit of a bite.
4. Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the apples and any remaining pan drippings. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and coating them with the thickened sauce. Heat for another minute or two to ensure the chicken is warmed through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan-frying
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, apple cider, skillet, one-pan, fall, dinner, easy, weeknight, healthy, comfort food
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This apple cider chicken skillet is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly fast dinner solution. It’s perfect for busy parents, individuals with demanding schedules, or anyone who simply wants a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it brings together classic fall flavors in a harmonious, family-friendly dish. You’ll appreciate the one-pan approach, which significantly cuts down on cleanup time, making weeknight meals much less stressful. It’s a wonderful choice for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even as a meal prep option for lunches throughout the week. The combination of savory chicken and sweet-tart apples creates a comforting and satisfying experience that everyone will enjoy.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this apple cider chicken skillet is straightforward, using items that are readily available in most grocery stores. The focus is on fresh, wholesome components that contribute to both the flavor and the nutritional value of the dish.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, cored and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider (not hard cider)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (pure maple syrup preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if you prefer white meat, though thighs tend to stay juicier. If you don’t have dried thyme, a pinch of dried sage or rosemary would also complement the fall flavors. Any firm-fleshed apple variety will work well here; Gala or Granny Smith are good alternatives if Honeycrisp or Fuji aren’t available. Ensure you use regular apple cider, not sparkling or alcoholic versions, for the best flavor balance. If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be substituted. For the maple syrup, honey can be used in a pinch, but pure maple syrup offers a distinct fall flavor that really shines.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes Total time: 35-40 minutes
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this delicious apple cider chicken skillet is a simple process. Follow these steps for a perfect, flavorful meal every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed over the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Apples: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced apples to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the apples for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly and turn a light golden color. They should still have a bit of a bite.
- Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the apples and any remaining pan drippings. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and coating them with the thickened sauce. Heat for another minute or two to ensure the chicken is warmed through. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This apple cider chicken skillet is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can use milder apples like Gala and reduce the amount of Dijon mustard slightly. Kids often enjoy the sweetness of the apples with the chicken. You can also cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, which can make it easier for little ones to eat.
To make this a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside some simple sides. Roasted sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes would be a delightful complement, soaking up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad would add a nice touch of vegetables and freshness. For a heartier option, serve it over wild rice, quinoa, or even a bed of creamy polenta. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, this dish works wonderfully as part of a buffet. You can keep it warm in a slow cooker on a “warm” setting after cooking, or simply transfer it to a serving dish. Optional toppings that elevate the dish include a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a dollop of crème fraîche for a touch of richness.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help you achieve perfect results with your apple cider chicken skillet every time.
One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. If you add too many chicken thighs at once, the pan temperature will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in pale, rubbery meat. To avoid this, cook the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space around each piece for proper browning.
Another slip-up is overcooking the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cook relatively quickly. Overcooking will lead to dry, tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and remove the chicken from the pan as soon as it reaches this point. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Not scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the pan after searing the chicken is another missed opportunity for flavor. These caramelized bits are packed with deliciousness. When you add the apple cider and chicken broth, make sure to use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape them off the bottom of the pan; this process is called deglazing and adds incredible depth to your sauce.
Finally, adding the cornstarch slurry too quickly or to a cold liquid can result in a lumpy sauce. Always whisk the cornstarch with cold water until completely smooth before adding it to your simmering sauce. Pour it in slowly while stirring constantly to ensure it incorporates evenly and thickens smoothly.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This apple cider chicken skillet is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and storing leftovers, making your weeknights even easier.
To store any leftover chicken and apple skillet, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
For reheating, the best method is gently on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring in between to prevent the chicken from drying out. While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the apples might become a bit softer upon thawing. If freezing, transfer the cooled
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
