This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken is a cozy fall dinner made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a fragrant apple cider sauce with rosemary, garlic, and caramelized apples. Comforting, delicious, and easy to make in one pan!
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
There’s something magical about the scent of rosemary and apple cider simmering together on a cool autumn evening.
This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken recipe brings all the flavors of fall into one comforting, golden skillet — juicy chicken, caramelized apples, and a tangy-sweet cider glaze that feels both rustic and gourmet.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for entertaining — especially when served with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a glass of crisp apple cider.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar!)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work great)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Apple slices for serving
🔥 How to Make Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze with Cider
Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (they add flavor!).
Add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add Apples & Simmer
Stir in sliced apples and return the chicken to the pan.
Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm, spooning the cider sauce and apples over the chicken. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a drizzle of sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken with:
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- Roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
- Steamed green beans or Brussels sprouts
- A side of crusty bread to soak up that heavenly sauce
🌿 Tips for the Best Apple Cider Chicken
- Use real apple cider, not apple juice: It adds depth and natural sweetness.
- Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Bone-in chicken? Works great — just simmer a few extra minutes.
- Make it ahead: The flavors get even better after resting for a few hours.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
⭐ FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs add even more richness and stay juicy.
What’s the best apple for this recipe?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady hold up beautifully when cooked.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken is fall comfort food at its finest — savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with seasonal flavor.
It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with cozy aromas and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, a cozy date night, or a family get-together, this dish will make your fall evenings deliciously memorable. 🍁✨