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–+ servings
French Apple Cider Chicken

French Apple Cider Chicken: Comfort in Every Bite

Experience the delightful flavors of French Apple Cider Chicken, a comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a luscious apple cider sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium onion or shallots/green onions for a different taste
  • 2-3 pieces apples preferably crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji
  • 1 cup apple cider dry French apple cider recommended
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half/dairy-free cream as lighter options
Optional Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary for flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Let rest for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes until caramelized, then add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add sliced apples and spices (thyme and rosemary), cooking for another 2-3 minutes to soften the apples.
  5. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, deglazing the pan by scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Nestle chicken thighs back into the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  7. Remove chicken and stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, simmering gently for 5-7 minutes to thicken.
  8. Return chicken to skillet to warm in the sauce for 2-3 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for warm family gatherings, serve over mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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