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French Apple Cider Chicken – A Cozy, Flavorful Skillet Dinner

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A cozy French-inspired chicken dish simmered in apple cider with tender apples, shallots, thyme, and a silky Dijon cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 firm apples (e.g., Honeycrisp), sliced

  • 1 cup apple cider (non-alcoholic)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

  • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken, skin-side down, for 5–6 minutes. Flip and cook 4 more minutes. Remove and set aside.

  • Add shallots to pan; sauté 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.

  • Add apples; cook until just softened, about 4–5 minutes.

  • Pour in cider and broth. Stir in Dijon and thyme. Scrape up brown bits.

  • Return chicken to skillet. Simmer uncovered 20–25 minutes.

  • Stir in cream; simmer 3–4 more minutes. Adjust seasoning.

  • Serve hot with sauce spooned over.

Notes

  • Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.

  • Add Calvados for a traditional Normandy touch.

  • Reheats and freezes well for meal prep.

Find it online: https://feasttrove.com/french-apple-cider-chicken-a-cozy-flavorful-skillet-dinner/