Every now and then, I find myself reminded once more of how beautifully blue the sky looks on autumn mornings, stirred by the wind, blue enough to leave an impression on the heart.
Sanober Khan
The seasonal shift is apparent in my area, with autumn arriving swiftly, bringing brisk mornings, bright blue skies, and the anticipation of cool nights. It’s a fleeting time, and each day deserves to be appreciated. Cooking seasonal meals becomes a delight – hearty and comforting – with stews, soups, roasts, and desserts, featuring root vegetables paired with earthy herbs like thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.
This casserole is deliciously rich and satisfying; ideal for this time of year, especially after spending the day outdoors. While preparing it, seek out cider made from fresh apple juice instead of concentrate, and choose a dry variety rather than a sweet one. We enjoy sipping cider in the summertime, and the Barossa Cider Co.’s brew is one of our top choices. It pairs wonderfully with this dish. Accompany it with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
Serves 4
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken Maryland pieces, skin on
- 4 rashers smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 medium brown onion, peeled, halved, and sliced
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme, plus extra for serving
- 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 450 ml dry apple cider
- sea salt and black pepper
Begin by preheating the oven to 180 C. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and brown them all over until they turn golden. Take them out of the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme, and sauté until the onion softens, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Increase the heat to high, pour in the cider, and cook for a couple of minutes before mixing in the Dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up any flavorful bits stuck at the bottom of the pan. Remove from heat and pour the sauce into the bottom of a medium-sized casserole dish. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer over the sauce and spoon some over the top. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, ladle a bit more sauce over the chicken, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Before serving, remove the cooked thyme and scatter about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, adding another generous grind of black pepper.
**Oven-Baked Chicken with Cider Sauce and Smoky Bacon: A Flavorful Culinary Delight**
When it comes to comforting meals that beautifully combine hearty and gourmet elements, oven-baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon is a dish that fulfills every expectation. This recipe blends tender, juicy chicken, the savory richness of smoky bacon, and the sweet acidity of cider sauce, resulting in a meal that is both sumptuous and sophisticated. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or hosting a special occasion, this dish will certainly impress. Let’s delve into the details of this delightful creation.
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### **The Perfect Harmony of Flavors**
What makes this dish truly appealing is its intricate balance of flavors. Every ingredient contributes to a delicious medley of tastes:
1. **Chicken**: Baking the chicken ensures it remains moist and tender while developing a golden, slightly crisp skin. Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work particularly well due to their higher fat content, which keeps the meat juicy throughout the cooking process.
2. **Smoky Bacon**: Bacon brings a deep smoky flavor to the dish. As it cooks, it releases its flavorful fat, enriching the chicken and forming the foundation of the cider sauce. The bacon’s crispiness adds a wonderful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
3. **Cider Sauce**: The cider sauce shines as the dish’s highlight, presenting a sweet and tangy profile that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of chicken and bacon. Crafted with apple cider, this sauce captures the natural sweetness of apples alongside a touch of acidity, achieving a balanced and lively flavor.
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### **Ingredients You Will Need**
To create oven-baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon, gather these ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
– 6 slices of smoky bacon, chopped
– 1 cup apple cider (ideally fresh or unfiltered)
– 1/2 cup chicken stock
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Optional garnish: fresh parsley or thinly sliced apples
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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures an even cook and a golden finish for the chicken.
2. **Prepare the Chicken**: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Generously season them with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a touch of warmth.
3. **Cook the Bacon**: In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
4. **Sear the Chicken**: Add the chicken pieces, skin-side down, to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the skin turns golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
5. **Create the Sauce Base**: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic to the bacon fat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the Dijon mustard and thyme, followed by the apple cider and chicken stock. Bring this mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
6. **Combine and Bake**: Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some sauce over the top. Scatter the cooked bacon around the chicken. Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. **Thicken the Sauce**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
8. **Serve and Enjoy**: Dish up the chicken, and spoon the cider sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley or thinly sliced apples for a hint of brightness. Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Select Quality Ingredients**: Choose high-quality apple cider and smoky bacon for optimal flavor. Fresh thyme offers a fragrant herbal note, but dried thyme is a suitable alternative in a pinch.
– **Customize the Dish**: Consider adding sliced mushrooms, carrots, or apples to the skillet before baking for added texture and flavor.
– **Prepare in Advance**: This dish can be made ahead of time for convenience.