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Apple Cider Braised Chicken

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This cozy fall dinner features chicken thighs braised in apple cider with onions, carrots, apples, and fresh thyme. The result is tender, juicy chicken in a savory-sweet sauce that’s perfect for chilly evenings and easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large firm apple (such as Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider (not vinegar!)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and brown the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Pour off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add onion and carrots. Cook 4-5 minutes, stirring, until onion softens and edges caramelize. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add apple slices and stir for 1-2 minutes until just beginning to soften. Stir in Dijon mustard, then pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Nestle chicken back into the pot, skin-side up. Tuck in thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Liquid should come about 2/3 up the chicken; add more broth if needed.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and transfer to oven. Braise for 40-45 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and very tender.
  7. Remove chicken and veggies to a platter (tent with foil to keep warm). Discard bay leaf and thyme stems. Place pot over medium heat and simmer sauce 5-10 minutes, uncovered, until slightly thickened.
  8. Whisk in butter (if using) for a silky finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Spoon sauce and veggies over chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

For best flavor, use real apple cider (not apple juice) and fresh thyme. Sear the chicken well for crispy skin and deep flavor. The sauce can be finished with butter for extra silkiness or a splash of vinegar/lemon juice if too sweet. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the butter. Leftovers improve in flavor and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, braised chicken, fall dinner, cozy chicken recipe, Dutch oven chicken, apple chicken, one pot meal, gluten-free chicken, autumn recipe, comfort food

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/apple-cider-braised-chicken-recipe-easy-cozy-fall-dinner-idea/