Fall is my favorite season to cook, not just because of the flavors, but because the recipes start to feel like home. The first time I made rosemary apple cider chicken, it wasn’t planned. I had some leftover cider from a weekend apple-picking trip, and I was craving something warm and simple after a long day. I grabbed some chicken thighs, onions, garlic, and rosemary from the pantry, poured in the cider, and let it all simmer together. The result? Pure comfort; sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying.
That moment sparked the inspiration for this apple cider chicken. Since then, it’s become a staple on our table every autumn.
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Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
This rosemary apple cider chicken recipe brings big flavor with little effort. The star is the apple cider, which reduces into a light glaze that’s both tangy and subtly sweet. Rosemary gives it a fragrant, woodsy backbone; the kind that makes the whole kitchen smell like dinner is going to be amazing.
Even better, it’s all made in one pan. You sear, simmer, and serve from the same skillet. Fewer dishes, more flavor.
Whether you’re hosting guests or just feeding your weeknight crew, it’s a meal that feels special without needing anything fancy.
Love flavorful simplicity? This chicken with buttered noodles is another one-skillet wonder you’ll come back to.
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Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
This rosemary apple cider chicken is a one-pan fall favorite. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in apple cider with rosemary, onions, and Dijon for a dish that’s both comforting and flavorful.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 ½ cups apple cider (not vinegar)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3 minutes more.
2. Remove chicken. Sauté onions in same pan until soft and golden. Add garlic and rosemary; cook 1 minute.
3. Pour in apple cider and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard and optional vinegar.
4. Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
5. Uncover and simmer 5 more minutes to reduce sauce. Serve warm with pan juices spooned over.
Notes
Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, adjusting cook time accordingly.
Add sliced apples, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a complete one-pan meal.
Swap rosemary with thyme or sage for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this rosemary apple cider chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Want to customize? Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts. Swap rosemary for thyme or sage if you prefer. Add thinly sliced apples for extra autumn vibes.
Planning a cozy dinner? Check out our creamy cheesy hamburger rice casserole, it’s equally comforting.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
- Prep & Sear: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 3 more minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté onions until soft and golden. Add garlic and rosemary; cook for 1 more minute.
- Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in the apple cider, scraping the bottom to release all that flavor. Stir in Dijon mustard and optional vinegar.
- Return Chicken: Nestle chicken back into the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, until cooked through (165°F).
- Reduce Sauce: Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer another 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Spoon the glaze over the chicken before serving.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or just some crusty bread.
Want something bolder? Our Cajun Chicken Rotini turns up the flavor dial with spice and creaminess.
Tips and Variations
- Chicken Cuts: You can use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts. Just reduce cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Herb Swaps: No rosemary? Try fresh thyme or sage, both complement apple cider beautifully.
- Oven Method: After searing, bake everything in a 400°F oven for 25–30 minutes for hands-off cooking.
- Add-ins: Toss in sliced apples, carrots, or even sweet potatoes to make it a full one-pan meal.
This rosemary apple cider chicken recipe is easy to adapt and hard to mess up, ideal for busy cooks or weekend comfort seekers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does apple cider do to chicken?
Apple cider infuses chicken with subtle sweetness and acidity. It helps tenderize the meat while creating a light glaze when reduced.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but choose unsweetened juice if possible. It’ll give a similar flavor, though slightly milder and less tangy than cider.
What herbs go well with apple cider chicken?
Rosemary is classic, but thyme and sage also pair beautifully with apple’s warm, sweet notes.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven or slow cooker?
Absolutely. For the oven, transfer everything to a baking dish after searing and bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes. For slow cooker, combine all ingredients and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Final Thoughts
If fall had a signature dinner, rosemary apple cider chicken would be it. It’s simple, soul-warming, and filled with layered flavor that comes together in under an hour. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or your favorite fall veggies, it brings everyone to the table with just one whiff.
One pan, real ingredients, and zero stress, just how comfort food should be.
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