1-Pan Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Chicken thighs: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and crispy texture.

Apple cider: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the chicken with aromatic depth.

Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and adding richness.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.

Thyme: Dried herb that complements the apple and chicken flavors.

Apple: Sliced to add a fresh, fruity element to the dish.

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the olive oil. This ensures that the chicken skin sears immediately, locking in the juices and creating a golden-brown crust. Additionally, when adding the apple cider, pour it around the chicken rather than directly on top to maintain the crispiness of the skin.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They cook faster and are easier to eat, though they may lack some of the flavor and moisture provided by the bone and skin.

• bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: They have a similar cooking time and flavor profile, making them a good alternative.

• apple cider - Substitute with apple juice: It provides a similar sweetness and apple flavor, though it may be slightly less tangy.

• apple cider - Substitute with white wine: It adds a different but complementary flavor, providing acidity and depth to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic to maintain the garlic flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: They offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.

• olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: It has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: It adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dish, though it may change the overall taste slightly.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: It adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: It provides a slightly different texture and flavor but can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: It offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, being less pungent.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: It adds more heat and a different kind of spiciness, so use sparingly.

• dried thyme - Substitute with fresh thyme: Use three times the amount of fresh thyme as dried thyme for a more vibrant flavor.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: It has a different but complementary flavor that can work well in the dish.

• sliced apple - Substitute with pear slices: They offer a similar sweetness and texture, adding a slightly different but pleasant flavor.

• sliced apple - Substitute with cranberries: They provide a tart contrast to the savory elements of the dish, adding a unique twist.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken thighs and sliced apple in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the chicken skin.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of apple cider or chicken broth.
  2. Place the leftover chicken thighs and sliced apple in the skillet.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the steam.
  4. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning the chicken occasionally, until heated through.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken thighs and sliced apple in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a small amount of apple cider or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through.
  5. Continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is thoroughly heated.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover chicken thighs in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the skin is crispy.
  4. Add the sliced apple in the last 2 minutes to warm them up without overcooking.

• Slow Cooker Method:

  1. Place the leftover chicken thighs and sliced apple in the slow cooker.
  2. Add a small amount of apple cider or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
  3. Set the slow cooker to low heat.
  4. Heat for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.

• Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed pan used for browning and cooking the chicken thighs evenly.

• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken thighs without piercing the skin, which helps retain juices.

• Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring the apple cider.

• Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the salt, pepper, thyme, and olive oil.

• Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and slicing the apple.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and slicing the apple.

• Lid: Necessary for covering the skillet to allow the chicken to cook through evenly.

• Spatula: Handy for stirring the garlic and apple slices in the skillet.

• Serving plate: For presenting the finished dish.

Preheat the skillet: Start preheating your skillet while you prepare the other ingredients to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Slice apples in advance: Slice the apples ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Season in bulk: Mix your salt, pepper, and thyme together in a small bowl for quick seasoning.

Simmer efficiently: Use a lid to cover the skillet while simmering to speed up the cooking process.