Chicken Thighs with Apples
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Chicken Thighs with Apples recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions. The process begins with searing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs until they achieve a beautiful golden crust. This step not only locks in moisture but also adds a rich flavor to the dish. The addition of sliced apples and apple cider creates a wonderful balance, enhancing the overall taste profile with a hint of sweetness.
The use of fresh herbs like thyme and sage elevates the dish, providing aromatic notes that pair beautifully with the chicken. Cooking the apples until just tender allows them to retain their shape while infusing the dish with their natural sweetness. The final touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
This recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the technique. The careful attention to cooking times and temperatures ensures that each component shines. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook looking to create something special without too much fuss.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Use 7 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Tip: Season the chicken generously for better flavor.
Coat the chicken with 2 tablespoons of flour.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution.
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear until deeply golden, about 7 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook for 4 minutes longer.
Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Discard the excess oil from the skillet.
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
Add 3 cloves of sliced garlic to the skillet.
Add 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves and 2 sprigs of sage.
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Tip: Cook garlic and herbs until fragrant to enhance the dish's aroma.
Add 3 shallots or 1 yellow onion to the skillet.
Tip: Season shallots with salt and pepper to build flavor.
Cook over low heat for about 4 minutes until softened.
Peel the apples and slice them thinly.
Add the sliced apples to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes.
Pour in 2 cups (480ml) of apple cider.
Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Tip: Simmer the apple cider to concentrate its flavor.
Place 2 lb (1 kg) of chopped potatoes in a large pot with 1 tablespoon of salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for 17 minutes or until very soft.
Tip: Simmer potatoes until very soft for easier mashing.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Add 1 cup (240ml) of beef broth.
Return the chicken to the skillet.
Transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 35 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the potatoes.
Add a pinch of salt to the potatoes.
Add 1/3 cup (80ml) of milk to the potatoes.
Mash the potatoes until smooth.
Tip: Mash potatoes until smooth for a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Searing chicken thighs skin side down helps achieve a crispy texture.
- •Cooking apples with savory ingredients adds a unique flavor contrast.
- •Using apple cider instead of regular broth enhances the dish's sweetness.
- •Thyme and sage are classic herbs that complement poultry dishes.
