Apple Cider Chicken Bake

One pan. Endless comfort. Pure autumn vibes.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Bake Time: 35–40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
RV-friendly: Oh yes. All it needs is an oven or convection setup.

Juicy chicken thighs baked with crisp apples, sweet apple cider and a hint of Dijon for a dish that tastes like fall wrapped in comfort. A sprinkle of thyme ties it all together, making this skillet-style bake the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar, the drinkable kind!)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
• Optional: a dash of cinnamon or smoked paprika for extra flair

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or foil pan.
2. Sear chicken (optional): In a skillet, heat oil/butter and lightly sear chicken 2 minutes per side. This adds extra flavor but isn’t required!
3. Layer in the pan: Spread apple and onion slices across the bottom of the dish. Nestle chicken on top.
4. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk apple cider, Dijon, thyme, salt, pepper, and any bonus spices.
5. Pour & bake: Pour mixture over chicken and apples. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes more, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
6. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with toasted nuts if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or crusty bread to soak up the cider goodness.

Serving Vibes

• Feels like Thanksgiving, but way easier.
• Pairs well with roasted root veggies or a light arugula salad.
• Drizzle pan juices over everything like its gravy. Because it basically is.