Description
Cider Braised Chicken is a cozy fall dish made with tender chicken braised in apple cider, caramelized onions, and mushrooms. The sweet cider pairs perfectly with the savory onions and chicken, creating a comforting meal for chilly evenings. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat it lightly in flour.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and sear it on one side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in a ½ cup of apple cider and let it cook down, stirring occasionally until the onions are lightly golden (about 5-8 minutes).
- Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme, and sage to the onions. Let the mushrooms cook for 1-2 minutes before adding the remaining cider and wine (or chicken broth).
- Place the chicken back in the pan and spoon some of the mixture over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily falls apart.
- Remove the dish from the oven and check the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a little more cider or chicken broth. Serve the chicken with wild rice or crusty bread and drizzle with the pan sauce and caramelized onions.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken can be used; it will take a bit longer to cook.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- If you don’t drink wine, chicken broth is a great substitute for the wine in the braising liquid.
- If the sauce reduces too much in the oven, cover the dish or add more cider or broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 525mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 100mg