This Cider Braised Chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy autumn dinner! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled in a bed of sweet caramelized onions and apples, all bathed in a rich cider sauce. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of sweet apples, tangy balsamic vinegar, and savory chicken creates a delicious and well-balanced dish. The addition of thyme adds a fragrant and earthy touch.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! The chicken and vegetables are cooked together in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
- Versatile: Serve this Cider Braised Chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It’s also great for meal prepping or using the leftover chicken in sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Use high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Yellow onion: Sliced thinly and caramelized for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Apple: Sliced thinly and adds sweetness and a slightly tart flavor.
- Apple cider: Adds sweetness, acidity, and depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Dried thyme: Adds a fragrant and earthy flavor to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and creates a base for the sauce.
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch): Used to thicken the sauce.
- Thyme sprigs: Adds a fresh herb flavor and visual appeal.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and adds a salty and umami flavor as a garnish.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Cider Braised Chicken
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions and Apples
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and apple slices, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Transfer the caramelized onions and apples to a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
While the onions and apples are cooking, pound the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness of about 1 inch. Season both sides of the chicken with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining apple cider, chicken broth, and arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) until smooth. Add the caramelized onions and apples back to the skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the broth mixture and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat.
Step 4: Braise and Serve
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the onion, apple, and sauce mixture over the top. Add the thyme sprigs around the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). Remove from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken breasts.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even browning and prevent steaming.
- Adjust the cooking time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and your oven.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the skillet along with the onions and apples, such as sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.
- Make ahead: You can caramelize the onions and apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply reheat the onions and apples, sear the chicken, make the sauce, and bake.
How to Serve
This Cider Braised Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash, carrots, or potatoes, complement the fall flavors of the dish beautifully.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cider Braised Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can! Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar would be delicious substitutes for balsamic vinegar.
3. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply sear the chicken breasts first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
This Cider Braised Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and elegant way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. With its easy preparation, versatile serving options, and beautiful presentation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintCider Braised Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cider Braised Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy autumn meal! Tender chicken breasts are seared and then braised with apples and onions in a rich cider sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large apple (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider, divided
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 5–6 sprigs fresh thyme
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions and Apples: Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, apple slices, and ยฝ cup apple cider. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until softened and browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: While the onions and apples cook, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1 inch). Season both sides with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Melt remaining butter in the skillet. Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ยฝ cup apple cider, chicken broth, and arrowroot powder. Add the onion and apple mixture back to the skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the broth mixture and whisk until thickened. Turn off heat.
- Braise Chicken: Return chicken to the skillet and arrange the onion-apple mixture over top. Add fresh thyme sprigs. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, remove thyme sprigs, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you don’t have arrowroot powder, you can substitute with cornstarch.
- For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of apple cider and apple juice.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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