If you are looking for a dish that perfectly captures the cozy spirit of the holidays, look no further than this Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe. It masterfully combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with the bright sweetness of fresh apples and the warm, fragrant notes of rosemary and apple cider. Every bite brings together an irresistible balance of savory and sweet, with a hint of spice that makes this chicken a standout on any festive table. Whether you’re making a special meal for family or friends, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite that feels like a warm hug on a winter’s evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a straightforward yet thoughtfully selected list of ingredients, each one essential in building the layers of flavor, the inviting texture, and the beautiful color contrast between crispy chicken skin and vibrant apples. Gather these simple staples and get ready to create magic.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The perfect cut for juicy meat and crispy skin when cooked right.
- 2 cups of apple cider: Adds sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
- 1 medium onion, sliced: Softens and caramelizes beautifully, enhancing the dish’s depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary: Provides a piney, earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with apples and poultry.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp the skin and sauté the aromatics.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness that complements the apple cider.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 1 cup fresh apple slices: Preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and balanced tart-sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: A splash of brightness to lift the dish.
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional): Introduces a cozy warmth that sings of holiday comfort.
How to Make Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for roasting the chicken to golden perfection while allowing the flavors of the cider and rosemary to meld beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms, season your chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken skin-side down in the skillet and let it sear undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—your chicken is off to a fantastic start!
Step 3: Saute the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and begins to caramelize, soaking up all the residual chicken flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that inviting garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, carefully scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those flavorful browned bits—the secret to deep, layered taste. Stir in the brown sugar and fresh rosemary sprigs, letting these mingle and start to infuse the liquid with holiday cheer.
Step 5: Add Fresh Apples and Spice
Toss in the fresh apple slices along with the optional cinnamon stick if you want to add a hint of warm spice—it’s like Christmas in a skillet. Stir everything gently to combine and make sure every slice of apple gets kissed by that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Roast
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet skin-side up, embracing the apple cider mixture with every piece. Pop the whole skillet into the oven and let it roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This slow roasting bathes the chicken in the vibrant sauce, making every bite bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This rest time is crucial—it keeps the juices locked in, making the meat tender and mouthwateringly moist when you finally serve it.
How to Serve Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off, sprinkle some fresh rosemary leaves on top for a burst of vibrant green color and added fragrance. The contrast of the crispy chicken skin, glossy apple cider sauce, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible presentation that looks just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a simple green salad to add freshness. The sweetness and warmth of the chicken pair beautifully with earthy or creamy sides, balancing your holiday plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, try serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board surrounded by extra apple slices and sprigs of rosemary. Or plate it family-style by transferring the skillet to the table—the steam rising from the cider sauce will wow everyone and invite them to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe, simply transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will keep the chicken moist and flavorful, making next-day meals just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the chicken pieces and sauce in a freezer-safe dish or bag for up to 2 months. To preserve the best texture, avoid freezing the apples separately—they hold up well in the sauce even after thawing.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This method helps maintain the crispy chicken skin while warming the cider sauce without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs provide great flavor and moisture, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can work too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking.
Is fresh rosemary essential, or can I use dried?
Fresh rosemary offers the best flavor and aroma for this recipe, but if you only have dried rosemary, use about one teaspoon. Be mindful that dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers on chicken, you could experiment by substituting with hearty vegetables like roasted cauliflower or mushrooms cooked in the apple cider sauce. The flavors will remain festive and delicious.
What type of apple cider should I use?
Choose a good-quality, fresh apple cider for the best flavor—unfiltered or pasteurized apple cider works well. Avoid sweetened or spiced varieties as they can alter the balance of the sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the cider, onion, garlic, and apple mixture ahead and refrigerate it for a few hours. When ready, simply reheat and add the chicken for roasting. This step can save time on a busy holiday day.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe truly captures all the warmth and joy of the season in one skillet. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy apples, and fragrant rosemary makes it a standout dish for holiday dinners or any special occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and share this cozy, delicious experience with your loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, creating memories one bite at a time.
Print
Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 1h 00m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Christmas Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant apple cider sauce infused with fresh rosemary, garlic, and sweet apple slices. A perfect holiday dish that balances savory and sweet flavors with a touch of warmth from cinnamon.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Apple Cider Sauce
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup fresh apple slices (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Place them skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Onions & Garlic: In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Sauce: Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, scraping the skillet’s bottom to lift browned bits. Stir in brown sugar and rosemary to infuse flavors.
- Add Apples & Cinnamon: Add fresh apple slices and the optional cinnamon stick to the sauce, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet skin-side up, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Spoon the apple cider sauce and apple slices over the chicken. Garnish with additional rosemary if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and moisture retention.
- Fresh rosemary provides a brighter flavor, but dried rosemary works well too.
- The cinnamon stick adds a warm autumnal touch; omit if you prefer.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prefer tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance against the sweet sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
