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
Scale
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.