I still remember the first time I made Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken. It was a chilly autumn evening, and the scent of fresh rosemary filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and comfort. As I sat down with my family to enjoy this dish, I couldn’t help but smile at how the sweet and savory flavors danced together. It turned out to be a perfect fit for a cozy dinner, and I was thrilled to share this recipe with all of you.
What Makes This So Good
- The combination of sweet Honeycrisp apples and savory rosemary creates a delicious balance.
- Bone-in chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
- The apple cider sauce adds a unique touch, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients
- 4-5 Bone-In Chicken Thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs or 680-900 g)
- Spices:
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 Red Onion, sliced
- 1-2 Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
- For the Sauce
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter (or Olive Oil for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Smart Swaps:
- Chicken Alternatives: Use skinless chicken breasts or boneless thighs if desired.
- Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with jackfruit or tofu and use plant-based butter.
- Cider Swap: Apple juice can replace apple cider if you’re looking for a sweeter note.
Sourcing Tips:
- Choose Honeycrisp apples that are firm and slightly fragrant for the best flavor.
- Look for fresh rosemary that has bright green needles and a strong aroma; it’s a key player in this dish.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. Season the chicken thighs generously with this spice mix.
- Sear the Chicken
- Heat a splash of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add Sliced Onions and Apples
- Once the chicken is golden, add the sliced red onion and Honeycrisp apples around the chicken in the skillet.
- Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Sauce
- Remove the chicken and apples from the skillet and set aside. On the stovetop, add butter, apple cider, chicken broth (or white wine), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to the pan. Whisk together and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return to the Skillet
- Place the chicken and apples back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let it all mingle together.
- Serve
- Serve hot, drizzled with the sauce, and enjoy the cozy flavors!
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can season chicken thighs and refrigerate overnight for quicker prep.
- Transport: Keep the chicken in an airtight container to transport to gatherings.
- Re-Crisp: To keep the skin crispy, briefly broil the chicken after reheating.
Variations
- Herb Variations: Try adding sage or oregano for a twist on the herbs.
- Apple Twist: Use different apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, for different sweetness levels.
- Cider Variety: Experiment with different flavored ciders, like spiced apple cider for added warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a warm side salad. A glass of cider or a light white wine elevates the meal even further!
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
- Yes, boneless thighs will work; just reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes.
- What if I don’t have apple cider?
- Apple juice can be a good substitute, though it will be sweeter.
- Can this dish be frozen?
- Yes! Just freeze in an airtight container, and it should keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken combines sweet Honeycrisp apples with savory rosemary for a delightful fall dish perfect for cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 Bone-In Chicken Thighs (about 1.5–2 lbs or 680–900 g)
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
- 2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 Red Onion, sliced
- 1–2 Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
- 4 tbsp Salted Butter (or Olive Oil for dairy-free)
- 3/4 cup Apple Cider
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary. Season the chicken thighs generously with this spice mix.
- Heat a splash of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once the chicken is golden, add the sliced red onion and Honeycrisp apples around the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken and apples from the skillet and set them aside. On the stovetop, add butter, apple cider, chicken broth (or white wine), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to the pan. Whisk together and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the chicken and apples back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let it all mingle together.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the sauce, and enjoy the cozy flavors!
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute chicken with jackfruit or tofu and use plant-based butter. Make-ahead by seasoning chicken thighs and refrigerating overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None specified