Cider Braised Chicken with Apples and Onions (1 Hour)

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This recipe features chicken thighs and drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on, slowly braised in apple cider, accompanied by the sweet and savory notes of diced apples and onions.

The combination of the tender, juicy chicken with the fragrant cider and the natural sweetness of apples creates a harmonious dish that is both rustic and sophisticated.

Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion in the cooler months, this dish celebrates the seasonal flavors in a most delightful way.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 medium apples, diced (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chicken broth for extra liquid

Instructions

  1. Prep and Brown Chicken (15 minutes): Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Apples and Onions (10 minutes): In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced apples and onions, cooking until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Deglaze and Braise (30 minutes): Pour the apple cider (and chicken broth if using) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the apples and onions. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it braise for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Serve (5 minutes): Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the cider braised chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cider braised chicken is a dish where patience is key – the slow braising allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and the chicken to become exceptionally tender.

Choosing the right type of apple is important; a variety that holds its shape well during cooking, such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, is ideal. The cider should be of good quality, as it forms the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Embrace the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this delightful dish!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Mashed Cauliflower

Start by chopping a head of cauliflower into florets, and then steam or boil them until they're nice and tender. Once soft, drain the cauliflower to ensure there's no excess moisture. Transfer it to a food processor or use a hand masher, and begin to mash until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, mix in a touch of butter, garlic, and maybe a splash of milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The end result is a bowl of velvety, flavorful mashed cauliflower that's ready to be paired with any of your favorite dishes.

Easy Stuffing

Grab a loaf of day-old bread and tear or cut it into bite-sized chunks. If you want to speed things up, give those pieces a quick toast in the oven. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt some butter and sauté diced onions and celery until they're soft and translucent. Stir in seasonings like sage, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper. Toss the toasted bread chunks into the skillet and give it a good mix. Pour in some chicken or vegetable broth, just enough to moisten the bread without making it soggy. Give it a stir, letting all the ingredients get to know each other. Pop the skillet into the oven for a quick bake until the top is crispy.

Simple Steamed Broccoli

Begin with fresh broccoli, breaking it into even-sized florets to ensure uniform steaming. Rinse them under cold water to remove any impurities and to refresh their natural green hue. In a pot with a steamer insert, bring a small amount of water to a boil, ensuring the water level remains below the steamer. Place the broccoli florets into the steamer, covering the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Within a few minutes, the broccoli will transform into a brighter shade of green, signaling its readiness. Once tender but still slightly crisp, transfer the broccoli to a serving dish. A sprinkle of sea salt, a light drizzle of olive oil, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance its earthy taste.

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