Description
Tender chicken thighs slowly braised in apple cider with aromatic herbs, onions, and apples — this cozy dish is the perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet. It’s fall in a pot and ideal for serving with mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken Thighs:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Aromatics:
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Fuji), sliced
Liquid and Flavorings:
- 1½ cups apple cider (not vinegar)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for added brightness)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté onions until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in sliced apples, thyme, rosemary, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Return chicken to the pan, skin-side up. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Braised for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- (Optional) Stir in apple cider vinegar just before serving for added brightness.
- Serve hot with pan juices spooned over top.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and moisture.
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5–10 minutes.
- Try hard cider for a boozy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
