Cider Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onions
A heartwarming dish featuring tender chicken thighs braised with sweet, caramelized onions and apple cider, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot skin-side down and brown for about 5 minutes, then flip to brown the other side. Remove them from the pot and set aside.
- Add the sliced onions to the same pot. Cook them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pot and pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Serve the cider braised chicken hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Use quality cider for the best flavor. Avoid rushing the browning step for better richness.