I just made this cider braised chicken with caramelized onions, and wow—it turned out better than I imagined! The chicken came out so tender and juicy, and the sweet, rich flavor from the caramelized onions paired perfectly with the crisp apple cider.
As it simmered, my kitchen smelled absolutely amazing. I love how comforting and rustic this dish feels, especially on a cozy night in. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Note: These ingredient quantities are measured for serving 4 people.
Variations
- For a sweeter twist: Add sliced apples or pears to the braising liquid.
- To make it smoky: Toss in some crispy bacon bits.
- For a lighter version: Use skinless chicken and a low-sodium broth.
- Herb substitutions: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet: For searing chicken and caramelizing onions.
- Dutch oven or deep pot: For braising the chicken.
- Knife and cutting board: To chop onions and other ingredients.
- Tongs: To flip the chicken.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.
How to Make Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions?
Cooking this dish is as easy as it is rewarding! Follow these steps for a great result:
Step 1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper. Sear the pieces skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a lovely crust. Set it aside.
Step 2. Caramelize the Onions
Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and slightly sweet.
Step 3. Build the Braising Base
Pour apple cider into the skillet with the onions to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this is where the flavor lives!). Add chicken broth and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4. Braise the Chicken
Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender, soaking in all the beautiful flavors.
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, serve it straight from the pot, spooning the rich cider sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a lovely pop of green.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Cooking this dish is an absolute pleasure, and here’s why you’re going to love it too:
1. Simple and Easy to Prepare
Despite its restaurant-quality results, this recipe is delightfully low-effort. With a few basic techniques like browning chicken and caramelizing onions, you’ll create magic in no time. The braising does most of the work for you, so there’s minimal active cooking. Perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks alike!
2. Packed with Rich, Cozy Flavor
The combination of sweet onions, savory chicken, and tangy apple cider makes this dish a harmony of flavors. Every bite feels like the essence of fall wrapped in a comfortingly rich sauce that’s good enough to drink on its own!
3. Versatility at Its Best
Whether you pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or freshly baked bread to mop up the sauce, this dish adapts to any side. It’s just as great for a casual dinner as it is for a gathering with friends.
4. Customizable for Dietary Needs
You can adapt this recipe to suit your needs easily. It can be made dairy-free by swapping butter for oil, or gluten-free by using gluten-free stock. And with add-ons like apples or bacon, you can craft a unique spin every time.
5. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
The recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and affordable. No exotic spices or fancy tools are required, making it a go-to for a homely yet impressive meal.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pat dry for crispiness: Always pat the chicken dry before searing for the best golden crust.
- Take your time with the onions: Don’t rush the caramelization process; the onions need to be golden and soft to bring out their sweetness.
- Deglaze properly: When adding cider, make sure to scrape the pan to bring out all those flavorful bits.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chicken pieces fit snugly but aren’t piled on top of each other.
How to Serve Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions?
This dish shines when paired with sides that soak up its rich sauce. Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, a bed of buttered noodles, or fluffy white rice. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a few thin slices of fresh apple for an added touch of elegance. Don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand to mop up every last drop of that sauce!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 25g
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep since it tastes even better the next day! After cooking, allow the chicken to cool before storing it.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cider braised chicken with caramelized onions is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of flavor and warmth. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s become my ultimate go-to for a no-fail comforting dish. Enjoy!
Cider Braised Chicken With Caramelized Onions Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces thighs, drumsticks, or both
- Apple cider
- Onions
- Fresh thyme
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper. Sear the pieces skin-side down until golden brown, about 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a lovely crust. Set it aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and slightly sweet.
- Pour apple cider into the skillet with the onions to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this is where the flavor lives!). Add chicken broth and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return the seared chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender, soaking in all the beautiful flavors.
- Once the chicken is cooked, serve it straight from the pot, spooning the rich cider sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a lovely pop of green.
Notes
- Pat dry for crispiness: Always pat the chicken dry before searing for the best golden crust.
- Take your time with the onions: Don’t rush the caramelization process; the onions need to be golden and soft to bring out their sweetness.
- Deglaze properly: When adding cider, make sure to scrape the pan to bring out all those flavorful bits.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chicken pieces fit snugly but aren’t piled on top of each other.
