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French Apple Cider Chicken

Savory French Apple Cider Chicken for Cozy Nights at Home

This French Apple Cider Chicken is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with sweet apples and a rich sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in skin-on for flavor and moisture; can substitute with boneless thighs or chicken breasts.
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion Can replace with shallots or green onions.
  • 2 medium Apple Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji are best; avoid soft apples.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Dry French apple cider recommended; can substitute with apple juice and white wine.
  • 3/4 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream for lighter options.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
For the Finish
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme Fresh, optional.
  • 1 tablespoon Rosemary Fresh, optional.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or Butter For sautéing; choose per preference.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Flip thighs and cook for another 3-4 minutes, then remove from pan.
  4. Sauté sliced onions in the same skillet for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Add thin apple slices, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
  8. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream into the sauce; adjust seasoning.
  9. Return chicken to the sauce, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 32gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the pan to achieve crispy skin. Adjust cooking time for boneless thighs.

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