Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Cozy Apple Cider Chicken. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is the single most important step for achieving crispy, golden-brown skin. Season the chicken liberally on both sides with the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear, without moving, for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It will not be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Apples
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, with the rendered chicken fat, add the onion wedges. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize. Add the apple wedges and smashed garlic cloves. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples just begin to soften. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour the apple cider into the hot skillet. It will sizzle and steam dramatically. Use a wooden spoon to scrape all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan—this is packed with flavor. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Braise
Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Step 7: Create the Luxurious Finish
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (remember the handle is hot!). Transfer the chicken, apples, and onions to a serving platter. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it reduce for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and swirl in the cold butter, one piece at a time, until the sauce is glossy and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour the magnificent sauce over the chicken on the platter. Garnish with fresh thyme.