Occasionally, I am reminded once again of the deep blue hue the sky takes on during breezy autumn mornings, so blue it feels like it can touch your soul.
Sanober Khan
The season has shifted in my region, and autumn has swiftly arrived, bringing with it crisp mornings, luminous blue skies, and the promise of cooler nights. It’s a fleeting time, and each day is worth savoring. There’s a particular delight in preparing seasonal dishes – warming and fulfilling – stews and soups, roasts and desserts, root vegetables seasoned with earthy herbs like thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.
This casserole is hearty and satisfying; ideal for the season, especially after a day spent outside. When preparing it, aim to use cider derived from fresh apple juice rather than concentrate, and opt for a dry rather than sweet variety. We enjoy sipping cider during the summer, and the brew from Barossa Cider Co. is among our favorites. It pairs wonderfully with this dish. Serve alongside velvety mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and some crusty bread to mop up any residual 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 over medium heat and add the olive oil. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until they achieve a golden hue. Set aside. Add the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme to the pan and sauté until the onion softens; be careful not to let the garlic burn. Increase the heat to high, pour in the cider, and let it cook 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. Remove from heat. Pour the sauce into a medium-sized casserole dish. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and drizzle some sauce over them. Season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover securely with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes. Uncover and spoon more sauce over the chicken, returning it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Discard the cooked thyme before serving and sprinkle over a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves, along with an extra grind of black pepper.
# **Cider-Baked Chicken with Smoky Bacon Sauce: A Comfort Food Delight**
Cider-baked chicken is a timeless dish that can be crafted in many ways; however, when it’s paired with a smoky bacon sauce, it becomes a truly irresistible meal. The combination of succulent chicken, the savory richness of bacon, and the hint of sweetness from cider creates a delightful flavor medley. This dish is perfect for a snug family dinner or hosting guests, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
In this article, we’ll delve into the key components, detailed preparation steps, and tips to perfect your **Cider-Baked Chicken with Smoky Bacon Sauce**.
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## **Why This Dish Works**
The magic of this dish stems from the balance of its ingredients:
– **Chicken**: Baking ensures the chicken stays moist while developing a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
– **Cider**: Apple cider infuses natural sweetness and acidity, enhancing the chicken’s flavor while balancing the bacon’s richness.
– **Smoky Bacon**: The bacon’s smokiness enriches the sauce with a profound, savory taste.
– **Aromatic Herbs & Spices**: Thyme, garlic, and onion contribute depth and warmth to the flavors.
– **Cream or Stock (Optional)**: Adding cream or chicken stock can create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
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## **Ingredients**
To make **Cider-Baked Chicken with Smoky Bacon Sauce**, you will need:
### **For the Chicken:**
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper (to taste)
– 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth)
### **For the Sauce:**
– 4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
– ½ cup chicken stock (or water)
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
– ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a richer sauce)
– 1 tbsp butter (for added silkiness)
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## **Step-by-Step Preparation**
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Set your oven to **375°F (190°C)** to ensure an even bake and crispy skin for the chicken.
### **Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken**
1. Dry the chicken using paper towels to encourage crispiness.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about **4-5 minutes**, until it turns golden brown.
5. Flip and cook for another **2 minutes**, then transfer to a plate.
### **Step 3: Prepare the Sauce**
1. In the same skillet, add chopped smoked bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Introduce the onions and garlic, sautéing until they soften and become fragrant.
3. Pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
4. Stir in chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
5. Allow the mixture to simmer for **5 minutes** to meld the flavors.
### **Step 4: Bake the Chicken**
1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side facing up.
2. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches **165°F (75°C)**.
### **Step 5: Finish the Sauce**
1. Take the chicken out of the skillet and set aside.
2. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and butter, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
– **Mashed Potatoes** – Their creaminess complements the rich sauce beautifully.
– **Roasted Vegetables** – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips offer a delightful contrast.
– **Crusty Bread** – Ideal for soaking up the savory sauce.
– **Steamed Rice or Buttered Noodles** – A simple yet satisfying accompaniment.
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## **Tips for the Best Results**
– **Use Bone-In Chicken**: It retains moisture and adds depth to the dish.
– **Select Quality Cider**: Choose a natural apple cider instead of a heavily sweetened one.
– **Do Not Skip Searing**: This step locks in juices and enhances flavor.
– **Properly Deglaze the Pan**: Scraping the browned bits adds richness to the sauce.
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## **Final Thoughts**
**Cider-Baked Chicken with Smoky Bacon Sauce** is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and please your palate.