Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken recipe combines savory herbs with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and cider. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners and impresses with its rich, layered taste.

Ingredients

• 4-5 Bone-In Chicken Thighs
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
• 2 tbsps Fresh Rosemary, chopped
• Salt and Pepper
• 1 Red Onion, sliced
• 1-2 Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
• 4 tbsps Salted Butter
• 3/4 cup Apple Cider
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
• 2 tbsps Dijon Mustard
• 3 cloves Garlic, diced finely
• Additional 2-3 Rosemary Sprigs
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat until hot. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat. Add sliced red onions, apples, and a few rosemary sprigs to the pan. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
5. Step 5: Take the chicken, apples, and onions out of the pan and set aside. To the pan, add butter, apple cider, chicken broth or white wine, Dijon mustard, and diced garlic. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat. Return the chicken and apple mixture to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best balance of flavors.
• Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for an hour before cooking.
• Add a splash of cream to the sauce at the end for a richer texture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the apple and sauce texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute apple juice if apple cider is unavailable, but the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less complex.

Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken thighs?

Bone-in thighs add extra flavor and juiciness, but boneless thighs or breasts can be used if preferred. Adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through properly.

Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 558 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, seared to golden perfection, then baked alongside sweet apples and red onions. The dish is finished with a luscious apple cider mustard sauce enriched with butter, making it an ideal comforting yet elegant meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4–5 Bone-In Chicken Thighs
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme
• 2 tbsps Fresh Rosemary, chopped
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Vegetables and Fruits

• 1 Red Onion, sliced
• 1–2 Honeycrisp Apples, sliced
• Additional 2–3 Rosemary Sprigs

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 tbsps Salted Butter
• 3/4 cup Apple Cider
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth or White Wine
• 2 tbsps Dijon Mustard
• 3 cloves Garlic, diced finely

Other

• Olive oil for searing

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken and apples.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Coat the bone-in chicken thighs thoroughly with this seasoning blend for balanced flavor.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and sear each side until golden brown, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and creates a crispy crust.
4. Add apples and onions: Remove the pan from heat, then add the sliced red onions, sliced Honeycrisp apples, and a few rosemary sprigs to the pan. This combination lends sweetness and aroma.
5. Bake the chicken: Transfer the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
6. Prepare the sauce: Once the chicken and apples are removed from the pan and set aside, add butter, apple cider, chicken broth or white wine, Dijon mustard, and finely diced garlic to the pan. Place it back on the stove over medium-low heat and whisk frequently until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
7. Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken and apples to the pan and spoon the thickened apple cider mustard sauce generously over the chicken. Let everything combine a minute on low heat to meld flavors before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• For a non-alcoholic version, use additional chicken broth instead of white wine.
• Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their balance of sweetness and tartness, but other firm sweet apples can be used.
• Make sure to monitor the sauce as it thickens to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Rosemary Chicken, Apple Cider Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Fall Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Apple and Chicken