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French Apple Cider Chicken

Savory French Apple Cider Chicken with a Cozy Twist

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This French Apple Cider Chicken is a comforting dish with rich flavors of apple cider and caramelized apples.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken legs or thighs (bone-in with skin) Chicken breasts can be used but avoid overcooking.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion Adds sweetness and depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic recommended.
For the Sauce
  • 1 large Apple (Golden Delicious or Jonagold, diced) Can substitute with Fuji.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Cornstarch works as a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Whole grain mustard can be used.
  • 1 cup Apple cider (dry) Non-alcoholic apple cider juice is a great substitute.
  • 1 cup Chicken stock Vegetable stock can be used for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Light cream Full-fat cream for richness or coconut cream for dairy-free.
For the Flavoring
  • 4 leaves Sage leaves Thyme can be substituted.
  • 2 leaves Bay leaves Fresh leaves enhance flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs Fresh herbs offer better aroma.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Caramelization
  • 1 large Apple (Golden Delicious or Jonagold, sliced into wedges) Caramelize until golden brown.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Margarine can be used for dairy-free.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin side down and fry for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside on a plate while keeping the heat on.
  2. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and diced apple, cooking until they caramelize slightly, about 2 more minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir for about one minute to cook it out. Return the browned chicken to the skillet, then add Dijon mustard, bay leaves, thyme, sage, apple cider, and chicken stock. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet loosely, and let the chicken simmer for about 45 minutes, ensuring that the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  5. While the chicken simmers, take another pan and melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the apple wedges and cook them until they caramelize and turn golden brown, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  6. Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in the light cream with the chicken and sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This French Apple Cider Chicken is perfect for cozy evenings and can be made ahead for effortless entertaining.

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