How to Make One Pan Chicken Thighs in Cava with Caramelized Apples

cava

💰Cheaper: white wine

White wine can provide a similar acidity and flavor profile.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

Coconut sugar is a less processed alternative.

chicken thighs

💰Cheaper: chicken drumsticks

Drumsticks are typically less expensive than thighs.

Peel and core apples and cut into small half moons around ½ cm thick (1/8th Inch).

Peel onions and cut into fine strips.

Peel and finely dice garlic cloves.

In a large skillet on high heat, heat the olive oil, season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then lightly golden the chicken thighs on all sides (around 5 minutes).

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for use later.

Add the onions to the skillet and fry until golden (around 5 minutes).

Reduce the heat to medium, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaves, and around 150ml (5 fl oz.) of the Cava. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the top, add some zest from a lemon, and give everything a good stir.

Cook on low heat for around 20 minutes or until the apples soften and begin to caramelize with the Cava and onions. Stir every 5 minutes and add 50 ml more Cava. Give the bottom of the pan a good scrape to bring up the flavor.

Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cover with the onion and apple mixture. Drizzle around 50ml more Cava over the thighs, add a few sprigs of thyme, season to taste with some salt and pepper, and then cook on low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken thighs are cooked through. (Note: Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C /350°F for 20 minutes).

Check seasoning and serve with a glass of Cava!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens