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

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Caramelize Onions and Apples: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, apple slices, and ½ 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 ½ 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 165°F (74°C).
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