Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
This cozy and flavourful Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs recipe is gluten-free, low-carb, and dairy-free, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs including diabetes management. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a lightly sweet and savoury apple cider sauce, perfect for a hearty fall or winter dinner.
Servings: 4
Calories: 397.8kcal
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 cup apple cider unsweetened
- ½ cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 tsp dried thyme or 2 fresh sprigs
- ½ small apple thinly sliced
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.4 chicken thighs, 1 pinch salt, 1 pinch pepper
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear thighs skin-side down until golden (about 5–6 minutes), then flip and brown the other side for 2 minutes. Remove thighs and set aside.1 tbsp olive oil
- Lower heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4 minutes.1 small onion, 1 clove garlic
- Pour in apple cider and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Stir in thyme and add apple slices.1 cup apple cider, ½ cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ small apple
- Nestle the chicken thighs into the liquid, skin-side up. Transfer the skillet (uncovered) to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is lightly reduced.
- Remove from the oven, spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken, and serve.
Cooking Tips
- Sear the Chicken for Flavour: Start by browning the chicken thighs skin-side down to develop flavour and crisp the skin before braising.
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or other tart apple varieties work well to balance the slight sweetness of the apple cider.
- Control Apple Texture: Slice apples thinly and add them just before transferring to the oven to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Deglaze the Pan Properly: After sautéing the onions and garlic, scrape up browned bits when adding the apple cider and broth for a richer sauce.
- Spoon Sauce Before Serving: Finish the dish by basting the chicken with pan sauce to lock in moisture and enhance flavour.
- Optional Skin Removal: For a lower-fat or heart-healthier version, consider removing the skin after cooking while retaining the flavour from searing.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Apple Cider Braised Chicken Thighs
Serving Size
1 chicken thigh
Amount per Serving
Calories
397.8
% Daily Value*
Fat
27.8
g
43
%
Saturated Fat
7
g
44
%
Trans Fat
0.1
g
Cholesterol
141.6
mg
47
%
Sodium
133.4
mg
6
%
Potassium
432.1
mg
12
%
Carbohydrates
12
g
4
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
8.4
g
9
%
Protein
24.4
g
49
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Vitamin D
0.1
µg
1
%
Calcium
28.8
mg
3
%
Iron
1.5
mg
8
%
Magnesium
34.2
mg
9
%
Zinc
1.9
mg
13
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.