Description
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs braised in a savory apple cider sauce with caramelized onions and fresh apple wedges. This recipe combines aromatic herbs with a rich buttery sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs fat trimmed
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 apple cut into wedges
Liquids & Thickener
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp flour or corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5 to 7 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Caramelize Onions: Add 3 tablespoons of butter and the thinly sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onions, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until they are soft and caramelized, which will take about 15 to 20 minutes. If onions start to dry out or begin to burn, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to keep them moist.
- Add Garlic and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour or corn starch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to form a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and 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 for best results.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, use corn starch instead of flour.
- Add a splash of white wine or extra chicken broth if the onions begin to dry during caramelization.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
