Description
This Skillet Apple Cider Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seared to crispy perfection and simmered in a warm, fragrant sauce made with apple cider, garlic, and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Enhanced with fresh thyme or rosemary and a hint of maple syrup or honey, it offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors in just 30 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin during cooking. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear them without moving for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and brown the other side for about 3 minutes.
- Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Build the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, then stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs. Let the liquid simmer gently to reduce slightly, concentrating the warm and aromatic flavors.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the thighs to coat. Lower the heat, cover the skillet loosely with a lid, and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the maple syrup or honey into the sauce if using, stirring gently to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chicken hot, spooning the warm spiced sauce over each piece.
Notes
- Drying the chicken thighs thoroughly before seasoning helps achieve a crispier skin.
- You can substitute fresh thyme or rosemary with dried herbs if fresh isn’t available, using about 1/2 teaspoon dried.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth used is certified gluten-free.
- Maple syrup or honey is optional but adds a lovely subtle sweetness that complements the spices.
- If skin crispiness is preferred over sauce thickness, remove chicken after searing and simmer sauce separately to reduce more before returning the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
