Description
This Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs recipe features tender, juicy chicken cooked with fragrant herbs and caramelized onions in a flavorful apple cider sauce, finished with tender apple wedges for a comforting and vibrant dish perfect for any 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
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
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the chicken thighs evenly with dried thyme, dried sage, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the 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 another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Caramelize the onions: Add butter and sliced onions to the pan. Sauté the onions, stirring every 1-2 minutes, for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine if the onions start to dry out or burn.
- Add garlic and liquids: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Whisk together corn starch (or flour) and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Bake with apples: Return the chicken thighs to the pan and add apple wedges. Transfer the pan 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 a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 185°F for safety and juiciness.
- If you prefer a gluten-free sauce, use corn starch instead of flour to thicken.
- Adding a splash of white wine while caramelizing onions adds extra depth but is optional.
- To make the dish dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
