Cider Braised Chicken Thighs With The Creamiest Cauliflower Mash

apple cider

🥗Healthier: unsweetened apple juice

💰Cheaper: white grape juice

Unsweetened apple juice provides a similar flavor with less sugar.

chicken thighs

🥗Healthier: skinless chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Drumsticks are often less expensive while still being flavorful.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.

Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.

Add chicken to the pot and brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Add onions, carrots, and celery to the pot; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add chicken broth, thyme, bay leaves, and return chicken to the pot.

Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.

Cook for 30-40 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Remove chicken and keep warm; discard bay leaves.

Increase heat to medium-high and reduce sauce until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

Stir in butter and diced apples; cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.

Return chicken to the pot to warm through before serving.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens