Go Back
Delicious Chicken Apple Cider Fall Stew in a ceramic bowl

Hearty Chicken & Apple Cider Fall Stew

A comforting and flavorful fall stew featuring tender chicken thighs, sweet apples, and a rich apple cider broth, seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg. Perfect for a cozy meal, it's hearty, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 small apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and diced
  • 4 cups unsweetened apple cider
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water for a slurry)
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  • Brown chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes, then remove from the pot and set aside.
  • Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add apples, apple cider, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, thyme, rosemary, and nutmeg to the pot.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
  • Whisk cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry.
  • Stir the slurry into the stew and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the diced apples slightly with the vegetables before adding the liquids. You can also add a splash of cream at the end for a richer stew.