Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon Recipe

There is nothing quite like the cozy, comforting flavors of Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon to brighten up a chilly evening. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious creamy sauce infused with the sweet-tart zing of apples and cranberries, all enriched by crispy, smoky bacon. It’s an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes that feels both indulgent and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re after a special weeknight dinner or a memorable dish to impress guests, this recipe is pure magic on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon are simple and familiar, yet each one plays an essential role in layering flavors, creating texture, and bringing vibrant color to this dish. From the crispy bacon to the fragrant spices, every item matters.

• Bacon (4 strips, diced): Adds a smoky crunch that elevates every bite with savory depth.
• Chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds, boneless and skinless): The juicy star protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): Helps create a light coating on the chicken for perfect searing and thickens the sauce.
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers an earthy herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Dried sage (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning mix.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Provides a gentle sweet-spicy warmth that pairs wonderfully with the apples and cranberries.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky texture to the sautéed shallots and apples.
• Shallots (2, finely sliced): Deliver a mild onion sweetness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
• Apples (2 small, thinly sliced): Bring crisp, tart freshness and balance the creamy, savory elements.
• Dried sweetened cranberries (½ cup): Offer pops of bright, fruity sweetness throughout the dish.
• Semi-dry hard apple cider (1 ¼ cups): Adds a tangy, fruity base that makes the sauce irresistibly flavorful.
• Chicken broth (¾ cup): Builds a savory foundation for the sauce and keeps it luscious.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle kick and complexity to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce silky smooth and decadently rich.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and lightness.

How to Make Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 175°F. This low temperature is perfect for keeping your chicken warm and juicy after cooking, while you prepare the rest of your sauce. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it’s crispy and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes. Keep the rendered fat in the skillet—this flavorful fat will be the foundation for cooking your chicken and building your sauce. Set the crispy bacon aside with a slotted spoon; you’ll use it as a crunchy topping later.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, dried thyme, sage, garlic powder, and cinnamon. This spice mixture will create a beautifully fragrant and lightly spiced crust around the chicken. Pat your chicken breasts dry to ensure an even coating and dredge them thoroughly in the flour blend.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Using the same skillet with the bacon fat over medium heat, sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then transfer the chicken to an oven-safe plate and place it in your warmed oven to keep it perfectly moist and warm.

Step 5: Sauté Shallots and Apples

Next, melt the butter in the skillet. Add the sliced shallots and apples, stirring occasionally. Sweat them gently for about 5 minutes, scraping up those delicious browned bits left from searing the chicken. This step softens the shallots and apples, coaxing out their natural sweetness which is essential for balancing the flavors in the final sauce.

Step 6: Build the Sauce

Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and dried cranberries. Scrape the bottom of the skillet well to loosen all the caramelized bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce by half, concentrating the flavors and thickening the liquid. The tanginess of the cider mixed with the sweet cranberries and apples is simply irresistible.

Step 7: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and most of the crispy bacon (save some for garnish). Let the sauce thicken gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, season the sauce to your taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting until it’s perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

Step 8: Serve the Chicken with Sauce

Return the chicken breasts from the oven to the skillet, turning each piece to coat in the creamy cider sauce. Allow everything to warm together for a minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully. Then plate your chicken, spooning extra sauce over the top and finishing with the reserved bacon, a handful of cranberries, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant color contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the richness of the sauce. Adding a few extra dried cranberries on top brings a lovely touch of fruity sweetness and a pretty jewel-like appearance that makes every bite special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad can provide crispness and freshness to balance out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the chicken in individual shallow bowls, pouring the sauce generously around the meat and garnished with bacon and cranberries. Alternatively, arranging the slices of apple and whole cranberries on top creates a visually stunning and inviting look that is perfect for entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to continue melding, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing and leave room for expansion.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and prevent the sauce from splitting. If the sauce thickens during storage, simply add a splash of chicken broth or apple cider to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and offer a richer flavor that works wonderfully with the creamy cider sauce. Just adjust cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm, sweet-tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady are ideal because they hold their shape well and balance the sweet and savory elements perfectly.

Can I substitute the hard apple cider with something non-alcoholic?

Yes! Unfiltered apple cider is a great non-alcoholic alternative that still gives vibrant apple flavor without the alcohol.

How do I make the sauce thicker if needed?

If your sauce needs to be thicker, simmer it a bit longer to reduce further, or gently whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is it okay to prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can dice the bacon and slice the apples ahead of time and store them in the fridge. The sauce is best made fresh, but leftover sauce can be reheated and poured over freshly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening, Creamy Cider Chicken with Apples Cranberries and Bacon is exactly what you need. It’s a celebration of cozy, comforting flavors with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and creamy all in one pan. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.

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