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In the realm of home-cooked meals, few dishes can rival the comforting and delightful combination of chicken and apple cider. This Crispy Skillet Chicken with Apple Cider Sauce not only brings together the savory flavors of perfectly cooked chicken thighs but also elevates them with a sweet and tangy sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. This blog post will guide you through every step of creating this delicious meal, ensuring you enjoy a flavorful dish that is both easy to prepare and satisfying to the palate.

Crispy Skillet Chicken with Apple Cider Sauce

A deliciously crispy chicken dish with a flavorful apple cider sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • to taste fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Heat the Skillet: In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Add the Onions and Garlic: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  • Make the Sauce: Pour in the apple cider, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the tasty bits. Stir in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the chicken thighs back in the skillet, skin-side up, making sure they are mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Finish with Butter: Once cooked, remove the chicken again and set it aside on a serving plate. Stir the tablespoon of butter into the sauce until melted and glossy.
  • Serve: Spoon the apple cider sauce and onions over the chicken thighs. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve hot, paired with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Keyword apple cider, chicken, skillet