Every now and then, I’m reminded anew of how strikingly blue the sky looks on autumn mornings when the wind dances through the air, blue enough to leave an impression on the heart.
Sanober Khan
In my region, the atmosphere has shifted, and autumn has swiftly arrived, bringing brisk mornings, bright blue skies, and the expectation of cool nights. This season is fleeting, and every single day is worthy of celebration. There’s something special about preparing seasonal dishes that are warm and filling – hearty stews and soups, roasty meats and desserts, root veggies complemented by earthy herbs like thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.
This casserole is substantial and satisfying; ideal for this time of year, especially following a day spent outdoors. When creating it, seek out cider crafted from fresh apple juice instead of concentrate, and choose a dry variety over a sweet one. We enjoy cider during the summer months, and Barossa Cider Co.’s brew is a personal favorite. It pairs beautifully with this meal. Serve it with luscious mashed potatoes, tender 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-sized 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
Preheat the oven to 180 C. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Brown the chicken all over until golden. Take it out of the pan and set it aside. Add the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Increase the heat to high. Pour in the cider and cook for a few minutes before adding the Dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape the tasty bits stuck to the base of the pan. Remove from heat. Transfer the sauce to a medium-sized casserole dish. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and drizzle some sauce on 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, add a bit more sauce on the chicken, and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Take out the cooked thyme before serving and sprinkle with another tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves and a generous grind of black pepper.
**Oven-Baked Chicken with Cider Sauce and Smoky Bacon: A Perfect Fusion of Comfort and Elegance**
When striving to craft a dish that strikes an ideal balance between comforting nourishment and culinary flair, oven-baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon stands out as an exceptional option. This recipe merges succulent chicken with the robust, smoky notes of bacon and the sweet zest of cider, resulting in a meal that’s both fulfilling and sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing for a family meal or a dinner gathering, this dish is destined to impress. Let’s explore the ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful hints to ensure your recipe is a success.
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### **Key Ingredients**
1. **Chicken**: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts are perfect for this recipe. The combination of bone and skin helps keep the meat juicy while baking, ensuring robust flavor.
2. **Smoky Bacon**: Bacon infuses a savory, smoky quality into the dish. Choose thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture and taste.
3. **Cider**: Apple cider is essential for the sauce, imparting natural sweetness and a hint of acidity to balance the richness of the bacon and chicken. For an enhanced profile, consider using hard cider.
4. **Aromatics and Herbs**: The addition of garlic, onions, thyme, and rosemary enriches the dish with their earthy, aromatic presence.
5. **Cream (Optional)**: Incorporate a splash of cream into the cider sauce for a luscious texture, elevating the dish even further.
6. **Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika amplify the overall flavor experience.
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### **Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions**
#### **1. Preheat and Prepare**
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season well with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This preparation step ensures the chicken develops a flavorful, crisp exterior while baking.
#### **2. Cook the Bacon**
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Retain about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pan to sear the chicken.
#### **3. Sear the Chicken**
Raise the heat to medium-high and place the chicken, skin-side down, into the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. This creates a flavorful crust while locking in the juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
#### **4. Sauté the Aromatics**
Lower the heat to medium and introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in fresh thyme and rosemary for added fragrance.
#### **5. Deglaze with Cider**
Add the apple cider to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are full of flavor and will enhance the sauce. Let the cider simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
#### **6. Combine and Bake**
Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, allowing it to nestle into the cider mixture. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top. Move the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
#### **7. Finish the Sauce**
After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and let it rest. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. If desired, stir in a splash of heavy cream to create a richer sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
#### **8. Serve and Enjoy**
Plate the chicken and drizzle the cider sauce over it. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for an elegant touch. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to enjoy the wonderful sauce.
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### **Success Tips**
– **Use Quality Ingredients**: As this dish pivots on just a few main ingredients, their quality significantly influences the outcome. Choose free-range chicken, premium bacon, and fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
– **Searing is Essential**: Searing the chicken before baking not only boosts flavor but also ensures the skin remains crispy.
– **Sweetness Adjustment**: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, opt for dry hard cider over standard apple cider. A splash of apple cider vinegar can also add an extra tang.
– **Make Ahead Convenience**: This dish can be prepped in advance and gently reheated on the stove or in the oven. The flavors may deepen as it sits, ideal for meal prep or gatherings.
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