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Golden-seared chicken thighs simmered in a rosemary apple cider glaze, served in a skillet with apple slices and fresh herbs.

Apple Cider Chicken Recipe – Rosemary-Infused Fall Dinner Favorite

This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy, fall-inspired dish that’s bursting with seasonal flavor. Juicy chicken is seared to perfection and simmered in a savory-sweet apple cider sauce infused with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of Dijon. The result is a tender, aromatic meal that’s perfect for autumn dinners, holiday gatherings, or Sunday suppers. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that irresistible cider glaze.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Fall dinner, Holiday Entree, One-Pan Meal
Cuisine American / Rustic seasonal
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp chopped rosemary

Aromatics & Fruit:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 Honeycrisp or Gala apples, sliced

Sauce Base:

  • 1 cup fresh apple cider
  • ½ cup chicken broth or white wine
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp salted butter

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or crème fraîche
  • Maple syrup drizzle
  • Chili flakes or cayenne
  • Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Season chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken skin-side down until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add apples and cook until slightly caramelized.
  • Stir in butter, apple cider, broth, mustard, and any optional flavor twists. Bring to a simmer.
  • Return chicken to pan, skin-side up. Bake for 25–30 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with herbs or apple slices.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for better flavor and moisture retention.
  • Taste sauce before baking and adjust seasoning.
  • Deglaze pan with cider and wine to lift browned bits.
  • Add lemon juice or vinegar to balance sweetness.
  • Avoid microwaving leftovers—use stovetop or oven for best texture.
  • Use fresh apple cider—not apple juice—for deeper flavor.
Keyword Apple cider chicken, cozy meal, fall recipe, rosemary chicken, skillet dinner