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French Apple Cider Chicken

This French Apple Cider Chicken features tender, golden chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful apple cider and cream sauce with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. A perfect autumn-inspired meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Calories:
Author: Sandra Myers

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

For the Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced

For the Apple Influences:

  • 1 apple cored and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 1 cup dry French apple cider or apple juice with a splash of white wine
  • 1 cup chicken broth

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves plus extra sprigs for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped (optional)

For Garnishing:

  • Fresh parsley optional

Instructions

  • Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken skin-side down 5–7 minutes, flip and cook 3–4 minutes, then remove.
  • Add sliced onions to the pan and cook 5 minutes until soft; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Stir in apple slices, thyme, and rosemary; cook 2–3 minutes until apples soften slightly.
  • Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping the pan to lift browned bits; bring to a simmer.
  • Return chicken to the pan, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
  • Remove chicken, stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, simmer 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens, adjusting seasoning.
  • Return chicken to warm briefly and garnish with thyme and parsley.
  • Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens and enjoy.