Description
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs feature tender, juicy chicken cooked in a flavorful apple cider and herb sauce with caramelized onions and tender apple wedges, perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
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
- 3 tbsp butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 apple cut into wedges
Liquids and Thickener
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp flour or corn starch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Season Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs evenly with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Caramelize Onions: Add butter and the thinly sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté the onions, stirring every 1-2 minutes, until they become soft and caramelized, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine if onions start to dry out or burn.
- Add Garlic and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch (or flour) and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to make a slurry. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and stir until it thickens.
- Combine and Bake: Return the chicken to the skillet along with 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 chicken thighs with skin on for extra flavor and crispiness if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, use corn starch instead of flour for thickening.
- Add a splash of white wine or extra chicken broth while caramelizing onions to prevent burning and add depth of flavor.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect doneness, avoid overcooking.
- Serve the braised chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and apples
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
