Creamy Apple Cider Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the classic combination of chicken and apple cider and elevates it to a creamy, savory dish that’s bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the apple cider balances perfectly with the richness of the cream and the savory chicken. The dish is simple yet sophisticated, making it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s a one-pan recipe, which means cleanup is easy, and it’s incredibly comforting without being overly heavy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
4. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, until heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Finish by stirring in the butter to add richness to the sauce.
7. Serve the creamy apple cider chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, and enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
• Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish.
• Make it lighter: To reduce the richness, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or opt for a lighter cooking cream.
• Add a sweet touch: For extra sweetness, you can stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup along with the cider for a deeper flavor.
• Make it spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give it a kick.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Creamy Apple Cider Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook through. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken (165°F/74°C) before removing it from the skillet.

Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, and they will absorb the creamy apple cider sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken ahead of time and make the sauce separately. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the chicken with the sauce and heat through. This dish is great for meal prep and can be reheated easily.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple cider has a deeper, richer flavor, you can substitute apple juice if necessary. However, apple juice will result in a slightly sweeter sauce.

Can I add other herbs to this dish?

Yes, you can use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different herbal flavor. Both pair well with the sweetness of the apple cider.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze the creamy apple cider chicken. Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve this with?

This creamy chicken dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I make this recipe without Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with whole grain mustard, yellow mustard, or omit it entirely. The mustard adds a tangy flavor, but it will still taste great without it.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute and omit the butter. Be aware that it will alter the flavor slightly, but it can still be delicious.

Can I add more sweetness to the sauce?

If you want a sweeter sauce, you can add a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar to the apple cider mixture as it simmers.

Conclusion

Creamy Apple Cider Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a cozy, comforting meal with a touch of elegance. The combination of savory chicken, rich cream, and the sweetness of apple cider creates a delightful sauce that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this creamy, comforting chicken dish!

Creamy Apple Cider Chicken

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Creamy Apple Cider Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a rich apple cider sauce, creating a savory and sweet dish perfect for fall or any time you crave comfort food.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   
   2 tablespoons olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   1 small onion, finely chopped
   
   2 cloves garlic, minced
   
   1 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
   
   1/2 cup chicken broth
   
   1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
   
   1/2 cup heavy cream
   
   1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
   
   1 tablespoon butter
   
   Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
3. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
4. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, until heated through and coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Finish by stirring in the butter to add richness to the sauce.
6. Serve the creamy apple cider chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish, and enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of sautéed vegetables.

Notes

• For extra sweetness, stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup along with the cider.
• To make it lighter, use half-and-half or a lighter cooking cream instead of heavy cream.
• Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for more texture and flavor.
• If using chicken thighs, they add more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg