Every now and then, I am once again amazed at the deep blue of the sky on windy autumn mornings, so vibrant it could mend a broken heart.
Sanober Khan
The season has shifted in my area, as autumn has quickly arrived with brisk mornings, bright blue skies, and the promise of chilly evenings. This fleeting time of year deserves to be celebrated each day. There’s a delight in preparing seasonal meals – hearty and warming – including soups and stews, roasts and desserts, with root vegetables infused with earthy herbs such as thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.
This casserole is indulgent and satisfying; ideal for the season, particularly following a day spent outdoors. While making it, aim for cider made from fresh apple juice instead of concentrate, preferring a dry rather than a sweet version. We enjoy cider in the warmer months, and the Barossa Cider Co.’s brew is among our top picks. It complements this dish wonderfully. Pair it with 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 rashers smoky bacon, chopped
- 1 medium sized brown onion, peeled, halved and sliced
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 4-5 sprigs of thyme, plus more 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 on medium and add the olive oil. Brown the chicken all over until it develops a golden hue, then remove it from the pan and set aside. Add the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme to the pan, sautéing until the onion becomes tender. Be cautious not to burn the garlic. Increase the heat and pour in the cider, cooking for a couple of minutes before incorporating the Dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape off any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Take it off the heat. Pour the sauce into a medium-sized casserole dish’s bottom. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and ladle some sauce over them. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover securely with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Remove the foil, spoon some more sauce over the chicken, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. Before serving, take out the cooked thyme and sprinkle an additional tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves along with another generous crack of black pepper.
**Oven-Baked Chicken with Cider Sauce and Smoky Bacon: A Rich and Tasty Meal**
If you’re in search of a hearty, delicious, and simple dish that brings together the richness of chicken with the zest of cider and the irresistible charm of bacon, then oven-baked chicken with cider sauce and smoky bacon is just the recipe you need. This dish combines savory, sweet, and smoky notes, making it a hit for family meals, special events, or even a cozy night at home. Let’s explore the details of this delectable dish and see how to make it.
### The Essential Ingredients
1. **Chicken**: The centerpiece of the meal is undoubtedly the chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work great for this recipe. Bone-in chicken maintains better moisture during the bake, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The skin turns wonderfully crisp, enhancing both texture and flavor.
2. **Smoky Bacon**: Bacon introduces a smoky, salty richness that complements the sweetness of the cider sauce. Aim for thick-cut, quality bacon for optimal results. The bacon fat also infuses the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
3. **Cider**: The cider sauce is the essence of this dish, offering a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken and bacon. Hard apple cider is often used for its slightly alcoholic, tart kick, but non-alcoholic apple cider can also work if you prefer a gentler flavor. As it cooks, the cider reduces to create a rich sauce that envelops the chicken.
4. **Herbs and Aromatics**: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage pair wonderfully with chicken and cider. Garlic and onions contribute depth and sweetness to the sauce, and mustard (if desired) can add a hint of heat and tang.
5. **Stock and Cream**: Chicken stock serves as the foundation of the sauce, while a splash of cream introduces richness and smoothness, resulting in a velvety, indulgent sauce.
### Dish Preparation
#### Step 1: Heat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows for even cooking of the chicken and promotes a crispy, golden skin.
#### Step 2: Chicken Preparation
Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (like paprika or garlic powder). Heat a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, adding the bacon. Cook until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel to drain.
#### Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, using the bacon fat, sear the chicken pieces skin-side down until they are golden and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the opposite side for another 2-3 minutes. This process locks in juices and adds flavor. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
#### Step 4: Create the Cider Sauce
Add diced onions and garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté until softened and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the apple cider and chicken stock, scraping up any browned morsels from the pan (this is where the flavor resides!). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce.
If you prefer some heat, mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. You can also introduce a splash of heavy cream at this point for a creamier sauce. Finally, crumble the bacon back into the pan.
#### Step 5: Baking the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the skillet, skin-side up, ensuring they’re partly submerged in the cider sauce. Add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor. Transfer 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) and the sauce has thickened.
#### Step 6: Serving
After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few moments. Serve the chicken with the cider sauce generously drizzled on top, garnished with fresh herbs. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
### Flavor Profile
This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors. The chicken remains tender and juicy, sporting a crispy golden skin. The smoky bacon contributes savory depth, while the cider sauce provides a sweet and tangy touch. The herbs and aromatics elevate the flavor profile, making it both fragrant and delicious. If cream is added, it lends a luxurious texture to the sauce, enhancing its richness and velvety feel.
### Suggestions