Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs braised in crisp apple cider with sweet apples and fragrant sage for a comforting autumn dish. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, apple cider, leaves fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until skin is golden and crispy, then flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 thinly sliced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add 1 large sliced apple and 8 fresh sage leaves, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer gently for 25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has reduced slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove sage leaves before serving. Plate chicken with apples and spoon pan sauce over top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep apple cider from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Sage?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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