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- Chicken and Other Proteins - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - Vegetables and Aromatics - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Liquids and Seasonings - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cups apple cider (non-alcoholic) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. The chicken thighs provide juicy meat, while the onions turn sweet and tender. Apple cider brings a nice balance of tartness. Garlic and thyme add depth to the flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish special. Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. This recipe is great for family dinners or special occasions. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. Searing the Chicken Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Place them skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the skin to be golden and crispy. Turn the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Caramelizing the Onions In the same skillet, add 2 large, thinly sliced yellow onions. Sauté them over medium heat for around 10 minutes. Stir them often. They should become soft and caramelized. In the last minute, mix in 3 minced garlic cloves for added flavor. Mixing the Braising Liquid In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This mix adds a sweet and tangy flavor to our dish. Nestling the Chicken in the Sauce Pour the apple cider mix over the caramelized onions in the skillet. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Simmering and Cooking Time Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it braise for 30-35 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and tender. Reducing the Sauce Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm. Increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce reduce for about 5-10 minutes. It should thicken slightly. Plating the Dish Serve the chicken thighs with the caramelized onion sauce drizzled on top. This will make the dish look inviting. Garnish Options Before serving, add fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Complementary Side Dishes Pair this dish with mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors. For the complete preparation details, check the Full Recipe section. - Achieving Perfectly Caramelized Onions Start with a large pan. Use medium heat and add olive oil. Add sliced onions and stir them often. Patience is key; let them cook slowly for about 10 minutes. This brings out their sweet flavor. You want them soft, golden, and slightly sticky. - Ensuring Juicy Chicken Thighs Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Season them well with salt and pepper. Sear them skin-side down for 4-5 minutes. This gives a nice, crispy skin. Flip them and cook for another 4-5 minutes. This method keeps the meat juicy inside while browning the outside. - Flavor Enhancement Tips Add garlic in the last minute of cooking onions. This gives a great depth of flavor. Use fresh herbs like thyme for a fragrant touch. The apple cider and broth mix adds a nice sweetness. Don’t rush; let everything meld together for better taste. - Overcooking the Chicken Keep an eye on the time. Cooking for too long will dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. The perfect internal temp is 165°F. Remove the chicken when it reaches this point. - Skipping Essential Ingredients Don’t skip the Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar. They add a tangy note that balances the dish. Each ingredient plays a role. If you leave one out, the flavor may suffer. - Not Allowing Sauce to Thicken After cooking the chicken, let the sauce simmer. This helps it thicken and concentrate flavors. It should take about 5-10 minutes. A thick sauce clings to the chicken and enhances each bite. Try these tips for a great Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions. For the complete recipe, see the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} Alternative Chicken Cuts You can use different chicken pieces if you like. Try chicken drumsticks or breasts. Both will work well. Thighs are juicy, but other cuts will also taste great. Substituting for Different Liquids If you want to switch up the flavor, use white wine instead of cider. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter touch. Both will add depth to the dish. Adding Seasonal Vegetables Feel free to add vegetables you love. Carrots or parsnips work well with this recipe. Just chop them up and add them when you cook the onions. They will soak up all the tasty juices. Sweetness Variations You can adjust the sweetness of the dish. Add a bit of brown sugar for more sweetness. Honey can also work. Just remember to add it in small amounts. Herbal and Spice Additions Want more flavor? Try adding herbs like rosemary or sage. Both bring a nice aroma. You can also use spices like paprika for a warm kick. Heat Level Customization If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes. Just a pinch will do. For a milder dish, skip the heat. Adjust the spices to match your taste. For the complete details on making this dish, check the Full Recipe. After enjoying your cider braised chicken, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, follow these best practices for refrigeration: - Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. - Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Using airtight containers helps lock in moisture and flavor. This way, your chicken stays tasty and safe to eat later. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, safe reheating is key. Here are some methods for reheating your cider braised chicken: - Stovetop: Place the chicken and sauce in a skillet. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps keep the chicken juicy. - Microwave: Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking regularly to avoid overheating. To maintain flavor and texture, avoid using high heat. Slow reheating keeps your chicken tender and the onions delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast. However, chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying out the breast. How do I make this dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken broth. Check the Dijon mustard for gluten-free options. What can I serve with Cider Braised Chicken? Cider braised chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. Add a side of green beans or a salad for freshness. Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook and cool it, then store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. How to adjust the recipe for larger servings? To adjust for larger servings, increase each ingredient by 1.5 or 2 times. Ensure your pot is large enough to hold everything. What is the best way to store the caramelized sauce? Store the caramelized sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions above. This blog post covers every step to perfect cider-braised chicken. You learned about the key ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and seasonings. We went through preparation, braising, and serving tips. I shared helpful cooking techniques and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, you can adjust flavors and storage methods to suit your needs. Experimenting will make your dish unique and delicious. Cooking is fun, so enjoy your time in the kitchen!

Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions! This easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with sweet apple cider and rich, caramelized onions for a comforting meal perfect for any night. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a delicious dish that impresses family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and make your dinner extraordinary!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 cups apple cider (non-alcoholic)

1 cup chicken broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and caramelized. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking.

      Whisk together the apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.

        Pour the apple cider mixture over the onions in the skillet, then nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

          Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it braise for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through and tender.

            Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and keep warm. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce reduce for about 5-10 minutes, until slightly thickened.

              Serve the chicken thighs with the caramelized onion sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4