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French Apple Cider Chicken

Savory French Apple Cider Chicken for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This French Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs in a delicious apple cider sauce, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: French
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 thighs Chicken Juicy and flavorful; substitute with boneless breasts if desired.
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion Alternatives include shallots or green onions.
  • 2 medium Apple Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji recommended.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Dry French apple cider preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream if desired.
For the Extras
  • 3 cloves Garlic Essential for flavor.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Dried can be used but fresh is better.
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary Dried can be used but fresh is better.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard Can substitute with yellow mustard.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in skillet, sear chicken skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes. Transfer to plate.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: Sauté sliced onions in the same skillet for about 5 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add Apples and Herbs: Stir in apple slices, thyme, and rosemary for 2-3 minutes until apples soften.
  5. Pour in Cider and Broth: Add apple cider and chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the pan. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
  6. Simmer the Chicken: Return chicken back to the skillet skin-side up and cover. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Finish the Sauce: Remove chicken, stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  8. Reintroduce the Chicken: Return chicken to the pan and warm in sauce for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Pair this dish with crusty bread or sautéed greens to soak up the delicious sauce.

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