Description
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made with apple cider, chicken broth, and aromatic herbs, complemented by caramelized onions and tender apple wedges. This comforting dish combines a balance of savory and sweet flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs fat trimmed
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp oil
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp flour or corn starch
- 1 apple cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Season Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season chicken thighs with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Heat Oil and Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Sauté Onions: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook the onions, stirring every 1-2 minutes, until soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. If onions begin to dry out or burn, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine.
- Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup of apple cider and 1 cup of chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken Sauce with Slurry: Whisk together 1 tablespoon of corn starch (or flour) and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to create a slurry. Whisk this slurry into the sauce and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add Chicken and Apples, Bake: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and add the apple wedges. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185°F.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron to go seamlessly from stovetop to oven.
- If apple cider is dry, adding a little honey can enhance sweetness.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking if needed, as flavors concentrate during braising.
- Substitute fresh herbs if available for a fresher flavor.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and apples
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
