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Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken

Savory Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken for Cozy Evenings

This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs with sweet Honeycrisp apples, creating a cozy dish perfect for fall dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Bone-In Chicken Thighs Provides rich flavor and juicy texture; substitute skinless thighs for a leaner option.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For cooking chicken; can replace with vegetable oil if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt For seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper For seasoning; adjust to taste.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Adds depth to the seasoning; leave out if using fresh onions.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances overall savoriness; fresh garlic can be substituted (3 cloves).
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Introduces a slightly smoky flavor; regular paprika can work for a milder taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Provides aromatic notes; can substitute with 1 tsp dried thyme.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary Main herb for flavoring the chicken; use 1 tsp dried rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Salted Butter Adds richness to the sauce; unsalted butter can be used, just adjust salt levels.
  • 1 cup Apple Cider Provides sweetness and acidity; substitute apple juice in a pinch, but avoid sugar.
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine Adds liquid and depth to the sauce; use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Contributes acidity and flavor complexity; yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
For the Sautéed Vegetables
  • 1 medium Red Onion Adds sweetness and texture; yellow or white onions can be swapped.
  • 2 medium Honeycrisp Apples Offers sweetness; any firm, sweet apple can replace them.

Equipment

  • oven
  • skillet
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial step is crucial for achieving that perfect roast in your Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, generously season the bone-in chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Once the chicken is beautifully seared, flip them over gently. Add thinly sliced red onions and Honeycrisp apples around the chicken in the skillet.
  5. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. On the stovetop, reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in salted butter, apple cider, chicken broth (or white wine), garlic, and Dijon mustard.
  7. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
  8. Once thickened, drape the luscious sauce over the warm chicken thighs before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 32gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish tastes best when served immediately, allowing you to savor those cozy autumn flavors.

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