Description
Delicious Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs feature tender boneless skinless chicken thighs seared and then slow-cooked with fragrant herbs, caramelized onions, garlic, and sweet apple cider. Finished with tender apple wedges and a rich, thickened sauce, this comforting dish is 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
Sauce and Add-ins
- 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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the chicken and finishing the dish.
- Season and sear chicken: Season the chicken thighs with thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. It won’t be fully cooked yet.
- Caramelize onions: Add butter and sliced onion to the pan. Sauté, stirring every 1-2 minutes, until onions become soft and caramelized—this 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 liquids: Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Make a slurry by whisking the flour or corn starch with two tablespoons of water until smooth. Whisk this into the simmering sauce and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Bake with apples: Return the chicken to the pan along with apple wedges. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185°F.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to another dish for baking.
- If you don’t have apple cider, substitute with a mix of apple juice and a splash of white wine or vinegar for acidity.
- Chicken thighs can be bone-in for more flavor but will require additional cooking time.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 185°F.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated and reheat gently on the stovetop or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
