This Cider Cooked Chicken is a comforting classic that transforms a simple roast into something truly special. The chicken is stuffed with fresh Jonathan apples, ginger, and thyme, then browned before being braised in a fragrant apple cider reduction. The result is incredibly juicy meat with a subtle sweetness from the fruit and a rich, velvety sauce thickened with cream. It’s perfect for cozy autumn dinners or holiday gatherings where you want an elegant yet homey centerpiece. The combination of savory herbs and sweet cider creates a balanced flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or mashed greens.
Cider Cooked Chicken
Description
This Cider Cooked Chicken is a comforting classic that transforms a simple roast into something truly special. The chicken is stuffed with fresh Jonathan apples, ginger, and thyme, then browned before being braised in a fragrant apple cider reduction. The result is incredibly juicy meat with a subtle sweetness from the fruit and a rich, velvety sauce thickened with cream. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for cozy autumn dinners or holiday gatherings where you want an elegant yet homey centerpiece. The combination of savory herbs and sweet cider creates a balanced flavor profile that pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes or mashed greens.Ingredients
Directions
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Wash and dry the chicken thoroughly. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside and out.
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Quarter the apples and sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.
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Heat half the butter and all the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
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Add half of the apple quarters and sauté for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the ginger.
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Stuff the chicken cavity with the sautéed apples. Tie or skewer the cavity closed to keep stuffing in.
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Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Brown the chicken slowly on all sides until golden.
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Transfer the browned chicken to a heavy casserole dish with a lid.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining apples, chopped scallions, thyme, cinnamon (if using), cloves, and sugar. Sauté for 2 minutes.
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Pour in the apple cider and heat until boiling. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the casserole.
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Cover the chicken with waxed paper, then place the lid on the casserole. Bake at 400ðF (204ðC) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the leg moves easily in the socket.
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Remove the chicken to a heated platter and keep warm.
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Skim excess fat from the pan juices. Bring the juices to a boil and reduce until about 1 cup remains.
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Mix cornstarch with whipping cream until smooth. Stir into the boiling pan juices.
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Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken and garnish with minced parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 949.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 47.7g74%
- Saturated Fat 13.1g66%
- Cholesterol 353.6mg118%
- Sodium 325.7mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 107.3g215%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.