Cider Braised Chicken

Turn this week's chicken dinner into the perfect fall dish with this Cider Braised Chicken recipe. In it, we're flavoring chicken with apples, onions, and apple cider for the ultimate flavor-packed, protein-rich meal.

The perfect autumn dish

Apples have been a fall food staple for centuries, and this year we’re following the tradition. This cider braised chicken is a delicious autumnal dish that’s made with onions, apples, apple cider, seasonings, and chicken.

The flavorful meal comes together after sear​ing and then baking chicken in apple cider, creating the most delicious, savory taste. Pair it with your favorite cozy side dishes like mashed potatoes and veggies for a complete and filling meal!

Ingredients in this apple braised chicken

Ingredients for this dish are made up of spices, flavorings, and all things tasty. Below is everything you'll need:

• Butter: First, begin with 4 tablespoons of butter. We will be using this to cook the onion and apple slices.
• Yellow onion: As for the onion itself, use one large onion, sliced very thin.
• Apple: Next up, you will need one large apple, also sliced thin. You can use any type of apple.
• Apple cider: Following the apple, you will need one cup of apple cider, divided for using in two parts throughout the recipe.
• Chicken breasts: Next, you will need four medium size chicken breasts.
• Thyme: To flavor the dish, use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• Salt & pepper: Then, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper for flavor.
• Chicken broth: Next, use ½ cup of chicken broth.
• Arrowroot powder: 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder or cornstarch is going to help thicken everything up.
• Thyme: 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme will be used to add flavor to the dish when baking.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of parmesan on top completes the dish!

Additional optional flavorings include sage, shallots, and garlic. You can also cook the onions until they become caramelized onions.

Kitchen tools needed to make braised chicken in apple cider

To make this dish, you will need a number of kitchen tools in addition to a few measuring cups.

• Large skillet (if you don't have a skillet, you'll need a pan and a baking dish or a dutch oven)
• Cutting board
• Cutting knife
• Mallet or roller
• Tongs
• Bowl
• Plate
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spoon
• Measuring cups: 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, ½ cup

How to make apple cider braised chicken

This recipe creates 4 large servings. Let's get started!

To begin preparing this recipe, start by preheating the oven to 400°F.

Next, heat 2 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Once the butter is hot, add the onions, apples, and ½ cup of the apple cider to the skillet. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the onions and apples become brown and soft.

While the onions and apples are cooking, pound the chicken breast with a mallet or roller until they are even and thin. They should be around 1 inch thick.

Season both sides of the chicken with the thyme, salt, and pepper.

Then, transfer the cooked onions and apples to a bowl. Place the remaining 2 tablespoon of the butter in the skillet, and then add the chicken.

Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Once fully seared, set it aside on a plate.

Then, use a small mixing bowl to mix together the remaining ½ cup of apple cider, chicken broth, and arrowroot powder.

Add the onions back to the skillet over medium-low heat, along with the broth arrowroot mixture. Whisk together for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened. Turn off the heat.

Add the chicken back to the skillet, and use a spoon to cover the chicken with the onions, apples, and sauce. Add the thyme sprigs around the chicken.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F.

Sprinkle with parmesan, remove the thyme sprigs, and enjoy!

Braised chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to lock in the fresh flavors! If freezing, place in a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

What does braised chicken mean?

Braising is a method of cooking that involves partially frying or searing meat before letting it cook in a liquid. In our case, we'll be searing it before letting it finish cooking in the oven in apple cider sauce — yum!

What is braised chicken made of?

This braised chicken is made of chicken breasts seared and flavored with onions, apples, and our braising liquid of choice: apple cider. There are also additional flavorings used like thyme, salt, and pepper.

What chicken cuts are used for braising?

Most cuts of chicken will work for braising, with chicken thighs or legs being common favorites. For our recipe, we're using chicken breasts! They work great in this recipe. If you prefer a different cut, apple cider braised chicken thighs make a fabulous option!

If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!

Here are some more recipes that sneak in apple!

• Pecan Crusted Pork with Apple Chutney
• Apple Cider Pulled Pork
• Healthy Apple Bread Recipe
• Healthy Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa