APPLE CIDER BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until skin is crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let the sauce reduce for a few minutes until thickened. Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top.
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Tips & Variations
For a sweeter dish, you can add more honey to the sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce at the end to thicken. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the apple cider braised chicken thighs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color.
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FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless thighs cook faster than bone-in.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and mustard, this recipe is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to be safe.
What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice as a substitute. It won’t have the same depth of flavor, but it will still be delicious.
How do I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?
If you find that the sauce is becoming too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
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Delicious Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken thighs cooked in flavorful apple cider a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any mealtime
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
Keywords: apple cider chicken, braised chicken thighs, main course