Description
This Braised Chicken Thighs with Apple recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the sweet and tart flavor of apples, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a savory apple cider sauce. Seared to crispy perfection and finished in the oven, it’s a comforting dish perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5-6 Bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Fruit and Aromatics
- 2 Apples, sliced
- 3-4 Shallots, sliced
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, crushed
Herbs and Fats
- 1-2 Sprigs Rosemary
- 2 Thyme sprigs
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Oil
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 1.5 cup Fresh Apple cider
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the braising step.
- Season Chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs using a kitchen towel to ensure crispy skin and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down without disturbing for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: In the same skillet, add butter, crushed garlic, sliced shallots, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Liquids and Reduce: Pour in fresh apple cider and chicken stock, then stir in Dijon mustard and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a low boil and let it simmer for 5-8 minutes, reducing the sauce to about three-quarters of its original volume.
- Braise Chicken with Apples: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet skin side up and add the sliced apples around them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven uncovered and braise for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is deeply browned and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the braised chicken thighs hot on a bed of mashed potatoes and stir-fried greens for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transfer between stovetop and oven.
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness than boneless.
- Patting chicken dry before searing is key for crispy skin.
- Adjust salt according to preference; soy sauce adds a salty umami note.
- Use fresh apple cider for the best fruity flavor; substitute with apple juice if needed.
- For extra richness, spoon some sauce over the chicken when serving.
- Apples complement the savory profile with natural sweetness and slight tartness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
