Name: Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs fat trimmed; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried sage; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp oil; 3 tbsp butter; 1 yellow onion thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 cup apple cider; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp flour or corn starch; 1 apple cut into wedges

There’s something utterly comforting about a dish that melds sweet and savory in one cozy bite, and this Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe hits that note beautifully. The tender chicken soaks up the tangy apple cider, while caramelized onions and warming herbs create a sauce that hugs every bite perfectly.

A black skillet holds four pieces of browned cooked meat, each piece showing a crispy, golden-brown texture with visible seasoning. Around and under the meat are many thick slices of pale yellow apple floating in a light, glossy golden sauce. A golden spoon rests on the right side inside the skillet, partially under some apple slices. The skillet sits on a soft light pink cloth, which is on a white marbled surface. Nearby, two red apples and a round wooden tray with a white small pumpkin and green plants are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this dish—walking into the kitchen and smelling apple cider and caramelized onions mingling instantly felt like fall on a plate. Beyond the aroma, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to pull off.

Hands-off braising: Once your chicken hits the oven, the dish practically takes care of itself, giving you precious time to relax or prep sides.
Perfect balance: The natural sweetness of apples and cider complements the savory herbs without overpowering the chicken.
Juicy tenderness: Braising ensures the chicken thighs stay tender and juicy, unlike drying out with traditional roasting.
Easy ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find, making this a great recipe to whip up any time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe has a role that creates harmony in flavor and texture. The herbs blend beautifully with the mild sweetness of apple cider, while butter and onions create an unctuous base. Here’s a quick rundown on what makes each ingredient shine.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken thighs with trimmed fat, fresh yellow onion thinly sliced, whole uncracked garlic cloves, crisp apple wedges, fresh dried thyme and sage sprigs, small white ceramic bowls with golden oil, creamy butter cubes, coarse salt, ground black pepper, smooth flour powder, amber apple cider, and clear chicken broth—all arranged with perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They’re perfect for braising because of their fat content and tenderness, which keeps them juicy throughout.
Oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken, locking in flavor before braising.
Dried thyme and dried sage: These earthy herbs add warmth and subtle complexity to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the flavors.
Butter: Adds richness that balances the acidity from the cider and broth.
Yellow onion: When caramelized slowly, onions become sweet and mellow, forming the base of your braise.
Garlic: Just a touch adds aromatic depth without overpowering.
Apple cider: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and acidity to tenderize the meat and create sauce.
Chicken broth: Boosts the savory flavors and adds body to the sauce.
Flour or corn starch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious finish without clumps.
Apple wedges: Add texture and a fresh burst of apple flavor that complements the cider.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe is how versatile it is. Play around with the herbs or swap out the apples for pears in the colder months—there’s room to customize it to your liking or pantry.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of white wine along with the cider to deepen the sauce’s flavor—plus a handful of fresh thyme sprigs for an herbal punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe

The dish shows two browned, seasoned pieces of cooked chicken with a slightly crispy skin, placed on top of a bright orange creamy layer that looks like mashed sweet potatoes or squash. Around and under the chicken are thin slices of cooked potatoes with a light yellow color, mixed with translucent cooked onions. The plate is white and round, with a silver fork resting on the left side of the plate, sitting on a surface with a white marbled texture. The food looks juicy with some sauce pooling around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs liberally with thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Heating oil in an oven-safe skillet until it’s shimmering, I place the chicken skin-side down to get a beautiful golden crust—this seals in the juices and creates flavor. Don’t rush this step; 5-7 minutes per side usually does the trick. You want a nice color without fully cooking the meat because it’ll finish in the oven.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

After removing the chicken, melt butter in the same pan and add thinly sliced yellow onions. Patience is key here—slowly sautéing for 15-20 minutes lets the onions transform into sweet, caramelized goodness. Stir occasionally and if they start sticking or drying out, splash in some chicken broth or white wine. This slow cooking is where your sauce gets that deep flavor everyone will love.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Thicken

Add minced garlic for a quick sauté (about a minute) to release its aroma. Then pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, raising the heat just enough for the sauce to simmer gently. Make a slurry by whisking flour or cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir it in. This step thickens the sauce nicely—watch closely as it transforms into a glossy, rich coating for your chicken.

Step 4: Bake to Tender Perfection

Place the chicken thighs back in the skillet along with fresh apple wedges. Transfer the whole pan to your preheated oven (425°F) and bake for about 15 minutes. This final step tenderizes the chicken further and softens the apples just enough to add a fresh burst of sweetness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 185°F to ensure juicy, fully cooked thighs.

Top Tip

I've learned over many tries that the secret to this dish’s magic is in the caramelization of the onions and not rushing the searing process. These steps build layers of flavor you can't fake!

Take your time on onions: Slow caramelization creates sweetness and depth that balance the apple cider’s tang perfectly.
Sear chicken well: A good golden crust prevents dryness and locks in juices during baking.
Use an oven-safe skillet: This lets you move seamlessly from stove to oven without transferring the chicken, keeping everything flavorful and less messy.
Check internal temperature: Avoid overcooking by pulling chicken at 185°F; it remains tender and juicy.

How to Serve Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe

Apple Cider Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme leaves—it adds a pop of green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the warm sauce. Sometimes I add a few thin apple slices on top for a pretty presentation and extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the sauce. Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette keep things balanced and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual cast iron skillets garnished with caramelized apple slices and fresh herbs. It’s charming and feels extra cozy when you’re entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken actually tastes better the next day after sitting in that flavorful cider sauce! Just reheat gently on the stove to avoid drying it out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too — stash it in freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just be mindful the sauce may thicken a bit, so stir in a splash of broth if needed when warming.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, covering it to keep moisture in. Adding a tiny bit of broth or water helps refresh the sauce and keeps the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs add even more flavor during braising but will require a slightly longer baking time—around 20-25 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 185°F for doneness.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

You can substitute apple juice mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine for apple cider. The acidity and sweetness are what’s key to tenderizing the chicken and balancing the flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use corn starch instead of flour to thicken the sauce. Also, double-check your chicken broth is gluten-free if purchased pre-made.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature for braised chicken thighs should reach at least 185°F to ensure tenderness and safety without drying them out.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes that I turn to when I want a warm, comforting meal that feels a little special but is totally approachable. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too—you’ll enjoy the cozy flavors, the tender chicken, and the simple confidence of a dish that’s easy to make but makes a lovely impression.