Imagine a dish that perfectly marries the savory richness of chicken with the sweet, aromatic essence of apples and cider. Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Cider Braised Chicken and Apples! This delightful American recipe not only warms the heart but also fills the home with an irresistible aroma that will have your family gathering around the table in anticipation. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a stunning meal that’s sure to impress. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be a showstopper!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and start to soften.
- Add sliced apples to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to caramelize slightly.
- Pour the apple cider into the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and braise for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the chicken thighs with the braised apples and onions, spooning the cider sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. This will add complexity to the dish.
- Sear the Chicken Well: Take your time when browning the chicken thighs. A good sear creates a crispy skin and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don’t Skip the Scrape: When you add the apple cider to the skillet, be sure to scrape the bottom to release those delicious browned bits. They add a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist!
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aromatic qualities, making it even more appealing.
- Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cider sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
