Occasionally, I find myself captivated once more by the vividness of the sky on autumn mornings stirred by the wind, a shade of blue deep enough to touch the heart.
Sanober Khan
The seasons have shifted in my region, and autumn has arrived swiftly with brisk mornings, pristine blue skies, and the anticipation of cool nights. This fleeting season is meant to be celebrated, and each day holds its own value. It brings joy to prepare seasonal meals—warming and satisfying—like hearty stews, comforting soups, roasts, and delightful puddings, along with root vegetables seasoned with earthy herbs such as thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.
This casserole is hearty and satisfying; ideal for this time of year, particularly after spending time outdoors. When preparing it, seek out cider made from fresh apple juice instead of concentrate, choosing a dry variety over a sweet one. We delight in enjoying cider during summer, and Barossa Cider Co.’s brew remains one of our favorites. It complements this dish perfectly. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and some crusty bread to soak up the remaining sauce.
Serves 4
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken Maryland pieces, skin on
- 4 slices smoky bacon, diced
- 1 medium brown onion, peeled, halved, and sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 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 your oven to 180 C. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chicken and brown it thoroughly until it achieves a golden hue. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme, sautéing until the onion becomes tender. Be cautious not to burn the garlic. Increase the heat to high. Pour in the cider and allow it to cook for a few minutes before adding the Dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Remove it from the heat. Pour the sauce into the bottom of a medium-sized casserole dish. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and spoon some sauce over it. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. Afterward, uncover and add a bit more sauce on top of the chicken before returning it to the oven for another 10 minutes. Before serving, remove the cooked thyme, sprinkle over approximately a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, and add another generous grind of black pepper.
**Baked Chicken with Cider Sauce and Smoky Bacon: A Cozy Classic**
When creating a dish that’s both substantial and refined, baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon is a recipe that encapsulates everything desirable. With juicy, tender chicken, the savory richness of smoky bacon, and the zesty sweetness of cider, this dish serves as a remarkable centerpiece for a comforting family dinner or a special celebration. Let’s explore the intricacies of this delectable recipe, its background, and tips for perfecting it in your kitchen.
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### **Key Ingredients**
1. **Chicken**: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts are preferred for this dish. The bone helps maintain moisture during cooking, while the skin becomes beautifully crispy, enhancing texture and flavor.
2. **Smoky Bacon**: Bacon adds a savory, smoky dimension to the meal. Choose thick-cut, premium bacon for optimal results.
3. **Cider**: Hard apple cider is the special ingredient that enhances this dish. Its natural sweetness and slight tartness pair excellently with the chicken and bacon, creating a harmonious and flavorful sauce.
4. **Aromatics and Herbs**: Shallots, garlic, thyme, and rosemary are essential components that elevate the dish’s complexity. These ingredients infuse the sauce with depth of flavor.
5. **Cream (Optional)**: To enrich the sauce, consider incorporating a splash of heavy cream at the end for a lush finish.
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### **Cooking Steps**
#### **1. Chicken Preparation**
Begin by liberally seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika for added richness. Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a small amount of olive oil until the skin is golden and crisp. This crucial step locks in moisture and establishes a flavorful foundation for the dish.
#### **2. Bacon Cooking**
In the same skillet, cook the bacon until it’s crisp and the fat has rendered. Remove the bacon and set it aside, retaining the flavorful drippings in the pan.
#### **3. Sauce Creation**
Sauté shallots and garlic in the bacon drippings until fragrant. Deglaze the skillet with hard cider, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Introduce fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic lift. Allow the cider to reduce slightly to intensify its flavors.
#### **4. Chicken Baking**
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and drizzle some of the cider sauce over it. Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken retains its moisture while absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
#### **5. Final Touches**
After the chicken is cooked through, take it out of the skillet. If desired, mix in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to thicken it. Crumble the crispy bacon atop the chicken and serve with the sauce generously drizzled over.
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### **Serving Ideas**
Baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon pairs wonderfully with numerous sides. Consider these suggestions:
– **Mashed Potatoes**: Creamy mashed potatoes are an ideal comforting pairing, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Olive oil-roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts sprinkled with salt offer a vibrant and nutritious accompaniment.
– **Crusty Bread**: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of the cider sauce.
– **Seasonal Salad**: A crisp apple and arugula salad dressed with a light vinaigrette brightens the dish and provides a refreshing contrast.
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### **Success Tips**
1. **Select the Proper Cider**: Go for a dry or semi-dry hard cider to prevent the sauce from becoming overly sweet. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, apple cider or juice can suffice, but balance the sweetness with a dash of white wine vinegar.
2. **Do Not Skip the Sear**: Searing the chicken prior to baking is key for both flavor and texture. It also helps render the fat from the skin, ensuring it crisps up nicely.
3. **Utilize Fresh Herbs**: Fresh thyme and rosemary lend a more vibrant flavor than dried herbs, though dried can be substituted if necessary.
4. **Adjust Sauce Thickness**: If the sauce turns out too thin post-baking, simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce. Conversely, add a splash of chicken stock or cider if it’s too thick.
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### **Why This Dish is a Winner**
Baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon combines flavors and textures into a harmonious and satisfying meal.