Description

This One Pot Apple Cider Chicken Thighs recipe combines juicy, crispy chicken thighs with tender apples and onions simmered in a flavorful apple cider and herb broth. Perfectly balanced with savory and sweet notes, this gluten-free dish is cooked entirely in one skillet or Dutch oven, making it an easy and delicious meal for any night.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Produce

2 large firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), sliced into wedges
1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Liquids & Condiments

1 cup high-quality apple cider (not apple juice)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely when cooked. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Cook Apples and Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and red onions. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and apples develop a light brown edge. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together apple cider, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture into the skillet, scraping up browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon for extra flavor. Add fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs to the pan.
Simmer the Chicken: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet over the apples and onions, keeping the skin side above the liquid to maintain crispness. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and crispy skin.
Choose firm apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala to hold their shape during cooking.
To check doneness, use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer a thicker sauce, uncover the pan to reduce the liquid during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free but always double-check your chicken broth for gluten if sensitive.
Can be served over rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider chicken, one pot chicken recipe, gluten free chicken thigh recipe, apple and chicken skillet, easy stovetop chicken