If you love cozy, flavorful dinner ideas that bring a touch of autumn right to your kitchen, then you’re going to adore this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Apples Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly — perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress. I absolutely love how the apples soften just enough to add sweetness and texture while the apple cider glaze adds a tangy, slightly sweet punch that makes every bite sing. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so your chicken turns out juicy and the glaze is perfectly balanced every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: You can have a delicious, impressive meal ready in about 35 minutes—yes, really!
Perfect Balance of Flavors: Tart apple cider and sweet apples mingle with savory chicken for a mouthwatering combo.
Versatile & Seasonal: This recipe celebrates fall apples but can be adapted year-round.
Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for this dish every time I make it.

A white plate holds six pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, arranged in layers with slices of soft, pinkish-red apple and caramelized onions underneath and around them. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, showing a textured, crisp skin with small green herb leaves sprinkled on top. A silver spoon held by a woman's hand is pouring smooth, light-brown sauce over the chicken and apples, with some sauce dripping down. The plate is on a wooden surface, with a wooden bowl of green salad blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The blend of ingredients here is simple but special. Using fresh thyme and apples like Fuji or Honey Crisp really makes it pop. Plus, having good-quality apple cider and chicken stock will elevate your glaze—so no shortcuts on those if you can help it!

Chicken: Cut-up chicken pieces work great, but chicken breasts or thighs are equally delicious depending on your preference.
Dried thyme: Gives a subtle earthiness to the chicken seasoning.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor when searing the chicken.
Butter: Adds a silky richness to the pan and helps with browning.
Shallots: They melt into the sauce and add a mild onion flavor without overpowering.
Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Roma, Gala, Fuji, or Honey Crisp for the best texture and sweetness.
Fresh thyme sprigs: For infusing an aromatic, herbal note during cooking.
Apple cider: The star ingredient of the glaze — fresh and unsweetened cider works best.
Chicken stock: Adds depth to the sauce; homemade or low sodium store-bought is ideal.
Soy sauce: Just a touch enhances umami and balances sweetness.
Dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the glaze.
Fresh thyme leaves: For garnish and an extra burst of freshness.

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.

Variations

I love keeping the core flavors here but I’ve played around with this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—this dish is pretty forgiving and adapts well.

Go Gluten-Free: Simply swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos—I’ve done this a bunch, and the glaze still tastes fantastic.
Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs: They add extra richness and stay juicy if you want a darker meat option.
Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives the glaze a gentle kick, which my husband loves.
Seasonal Fruit Swap: In spring or summer, try pears or peaches instead of apples for a different fruity twist.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Apples Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken

Start off by seasoning the chicken with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I like to get hands-on here—really pat the seasoning into the chicken. Then heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. When the butter is melted and sizzling, place the chicken pieces skin side down (if using skin-on) and let them brown beautifully without moving them around for about 5-7 minutes. This step locks in juices and gives you that irresistible caramelized crust. Flip and brown the other side, then set the chicken aside while you build your sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Apples, Then Deglaze

Into that same pan, toss the thinly sliced shallots and cook just until they soften—about one minute. Then add your sliced apples and fresh thyme sprigs, stirring for a few minutes until the apples begin to soften but still hold their shape. This is when the kitchen starts smelling magical! Pour in the apple cider to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Create the Glaze and Simmer

Whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, and dry mustard powder, then pour this mixture into the pan. Nestle the chicken pieces back into the pan, spooning some of those apples around them. Lower the heat and let everything simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for the sauce to thicken into a gorgeous glaze and for the chicken to cook through—that’s about 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer if you have one. If you see the liquid evaporating too fast, just add a splash more chicken stock. Don’t worry if you need to—that’s part of the charm of making this glaze yourself.

Step 4: Serve It Up

Give the chicken a gentle turn in the sauce to coat it evenly, then transfer the pieces to a serving platter. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs, season the glaze to taste with salt and pepper, and spoon the tender apples over the chicken. Drizzle that glossy, tangy glaze all around, sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, and get ready—the first bite is always my favorite moment!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Apples Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: That golden crust on your chicken adds incredible flavor and keeps the meat juicy inside.
Use a Good Quality Apple Cider: Fresh, natural apple cider (not the sweetened kind) makes all the difference in the glaze’s brightness.
Watch Your Heat: Keep your simmer low enough so the sauce thickens without burning or drying out.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken pieces room to brown properly; working in batches if needed is totally fine.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Apples Recipe

A blue plate with a detailed floral pattern holds a dish with three main layers: a bed of white fluffy rice on the left side, two golden-brown roasted chicken pieces with herbs and cooked apple slices on the right side, and a fresh salad at the bottom made of mixed leafy greens and small red cherry tomatoes. The plate is set on a wooden table with a gray cloth napkin beneath silver fork and knife. In the background, a wooden bowl with more leafy greens and a glass of white wine are visible, all resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh thyme leaves on top for a burst of color and a fragrant herbal note. A little extra cracked black pepper never hurts either. Sometimes, I add a few extra apple slices on the side for a pretty presentation and that fresh crunch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of that glaze. For a lighter option, roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans pair wonderfully. I’ve even served this over warm rice for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of wild rice pilaf, scatter roasted pecans for crunch, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or even a light sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to add color contrast. It really elevates the dish and impresses guests while still keeping things homey and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight and the apples stay pleasantly tender without getting mushy.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I recommend removing the apples before freezing since they soften a bit too much after thawing. Freeze the chicken and glaze separately in sealed containers, then reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the glaze feels too thick. This helps restore that luscious sauce without drying out the chicken. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry—just cover and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of cut-up chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine here. Just be sure not to overcook them; simmer the breasts gently in the glaze until they reach 165ºF internally. You might need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
What type of apples are best for the apple cider glazed chicken with apples recipe?

Look for crisp, firm apples like Fuji, Honey Crisp, Gala, or Roma. They hold their shape well and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and glaze up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving. For the best texture, add fresh apples or garnish right before eating.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

While it’s designed for chicken, you can try using hearty roasted tofu or seitan instead. Keep the glaze and apples as is; just adjust cooking times to make sure your plant protein is heated through and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Apples Recipe has become my go-to when I want to bring seasonal flavors to the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s comforting and elegant at the same time, and every time I make it, the sweet-and-savory combo gets rave reviews from friends and family. Honestly, I think you’ll find it just as addictive as I do. Give it a try soon—it might just become one of your weeknight favorites too!