One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken with Rosemary & Green Beans

Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredibly simple and satisfying one-pan apple cider chicken.

This recipe brings together crispy chicken thighs, tender green beans, and a delightful apple cider sauce, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.

This dish is designed for busy families and anyone looking for a delicious, hearty dinner that comes together quickly. The aromatic rosemary and sweet apple cider infuse the chicken with incredible flavor, making your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken with Rosemary & Green Beans is a weeknight dinner dream come true. It’s ideal for busy parents, new cooks, or anyone who wants a flavorful, complete meal without a mountain of dishes afterward. The beauty of a one-pan meal is not just the easy cleanup, but also how all the flavors meld together as they cook. The chicken thighs get wonderfully crispy, the green beans steam perfectly in the pan juices, and the apple cider creates a sweet and savory glaze that’s truly irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to bring seasonal fall flavors to your table, even if you’re short on time. Serve it for a casual family dinner, a cozy date night in, or as a comforting meal prep option for lunches throughout the week.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. The combination of savory chicken, fresh green beans, and the bright, slightly sweet apple cider creates a balanced and incredibly flavorful dish. Don’t worry about hunting down obscure items; this is all about making delicious food accessible.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

For the chicken thighs, boneless and skinless are recommended for quicker cooking and easier eating, but bone-in, skin-on thighs can also be used if you prefer, though they will require a slightly longer cooking time and may yield crispier skin. When choosing apple cider, opt for unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness of the final dish. If you don’t have fresh green beans, frozen green beans can be used; just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before adding them to the pan. If you prefer a thicker sauce, the flour is a simple way to achieve that, but it’s entirely optional if you like a lighter sauce.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

Preparing this delicious one-pan meal is surprisingly quick, making it perfect for those busy evenings.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this flavorful one-pan meal is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dinner every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken and Season: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving crispy skin (if using skin-on) or a nice sear (for skinless). In a medium bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan in a single layer. Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until deeply golden brown and a good crust has formed. The chicken won’t be cooked through at this point, but the searing adds a lot of flavor.
3. Add Green Beans and Cider: Once the chicken is seared, scatter the trimmed green beans around the chicken in the skillet. Pour the apple cider over the chicken and green beans. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
4. Finish Cooking in the Oven: Carefully transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the green beans are tender-crisp.
5. Create the Sauce (Optional Thickening): Remove the skillet from the oven. Carefully transfer the chicken and green beans to a serving platter. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the butter to the pan juices. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. If not thickening, simply let the butter melt and combine with the pan juices.
6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the warm apple cider sauce over the chicken and green beans. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired, for an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of rosemary slightly and add a touch of maple syrup to the apple cider for a sweeter glaze that many children enjoy. You can also swap the green beans for other quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, broccoli florets, or even diced sweet potatoes for a heartier meal. Just ensure the vegetables are cut to a similar size for even cooking.

To make this dish suitable for a party or buffet, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then gently reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce, or a simple wild rice pilaf. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dish can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes can help ensure your One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken turns out perfectly every time.

One frequent issue is not patting the chicken dry before searing. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents it from browning properly, leading to a steamed rather than crispy exterior. Always take a moment to thoroughly pat the chicken thighs with paper towels.

Another common slip-up is overcrowding the pan when searing the chicken. If you put too many chicken pieces in the skillet at once, the temperature of the pan drops, and the chicken will steam instead of sear. This results in pale, rubbery chicken. If you have a smaller skillet, sear the chicken in two batches to ensure proper browning.

Overcooking the chicken is another pitfall. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, but they can still become dry and tough if cooked for too long. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches this temperature.

Finally, not letting the sauce reduce or thicken (if desired) enough can leave you with a watery dish. If you choose to thicken with flour, make sure to whisk it in thoroughly and allow it to cook for a minute or two to eliminate any raw flour taste and achieve the desired consistency. If you’re not thickening, let it simmer on the stovetop for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This One-Pan Apple Cider Chicken is fantastic for meal prep and stores well, making your weeknights even easier.

To store leftovers, allow the chicken and green beans to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will also keep well and can be stored with the chicken.

When reheating, for best results, gently warm the chicken and green beans in a covered skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken. Adding a splash of extra apple cider or chicken broth before reheating can help maintain moisture.

For making ahead, you can season the chicken thighs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld even more deeply. You can also trim the green beans ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the entire dish fresh when you’re ready to eat to ensure the chicken remains juicy and the green beans retain their tender-crisp texture.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner, so be careful not to overcook them. Reduce the oven baking time to

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.