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Apple Cider Smothered Chicken

Apple Cider Smothered Chicken
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Apple Cider Smothered Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich, sweet-tangy apple cider sauce infused with onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory and sweet flavors, making it perfect for cozy weekday dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cream for a richer sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure a flavorful crust when searing.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add chopped onions and garlic. Cook until soft and aromatic, about 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  4. Build the Sauce: Sprinkle flour or cornstarch over the sautéed aromatics, stirring well to create a roux that will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in apple cider and chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
  5. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer and add fresh thyme or rosemary. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and infused with the sauce’s flavor.
  7. Finish with Optional Cream: For a richer, silkier sauce, stir in a splash of cream before serving, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

  • Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook in batches if necessary for a perfect crust.
  • Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Whisk flour or cornstarch slowly into the sauce to avoid lumps during thickening.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes after cooking so flavors meld beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, smothered chicken, easy chicken recipe, cozy dinner, fall recipe, gluten free chicken, comforting meals

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/apple-cider-smothered-chicken/