Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Berry Reduction Sauce
Breathe new life into your dinner routine with this exquisite Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Berry Reduction Sauce. Inspired by Mark Bittman's delightful dish, this recipe combines tender, succulent chicken thighs with a rich sauce made from plump dried berries, sweet honey, and a splash of hard cider. The savory blend of garlic, onions, and earthy mushrooms elevates the flavors, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Whether you choose boneless thighs or chicken breasts, this dish promises to be a standout on your table. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a creamy mashed potato to soak up the delicious sauce. Just a word of caution: it smells so amazing, you might forget to snap a photo before it's all gone!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
mixed dried berries
1/2 cup (soaked in water until plump)
water
2/3 cup (for soaking berries)
honey
1 tablespoon (for sweetening sauce)
oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
butter
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
chicken thighs
4 (boneless, skinless recommended)
salt
to taste (for seasoning chicken)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning chicken)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
onion
2/3 cup (diced)
sliced mushrooms
1/4 lb (cleaned and sliced)
summer savory
to taste (for seasoning)
hard alcoholic cider
1/2 cup (for braising)
chicken stock
1/4 cup (for braising)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the dried mixed berries in 2/3 cup of water for about 30 minutes or until they are plump. Then, transfer the berries and soaking liquid to a small saucepan and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a sauce consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the honey. Set aside to cool.
2
In a deep skillet with a lid, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and add them to the hot pan. Sear the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced onions, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
4
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, adding the chicken stock, hard cider, and a sprinkle of summer savory. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce in the pan simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
6
To serve, place the chicken on a plate and spoon the onion and berry sauce over the top, ensuring to drench the chicken in the delicious flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs with Berry Reduction Sauce?
It is a savory chicken dish featuring succulent thighs braised in hard cider and served with a rich sauce made from dried berries, honey, and mushrooms.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a delightful dish created by Mark Bittman.
What kind of chicken is recommended for this dish?
The recipe recommends using four boneless, skinless chicken thighs, though chicken breasts can also be used.
How long should I soak the dried berries?
The dried mixed berries should be soaked in 2/3 cup of water for about 30 minutes or until they are plump.
How is the berry reduction sauce made?
The soaked berries and their liquid are simmered over low heat until thickened, then mixed with honey and set aside to cool.
What type of cider is used for the braising liquid?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of hard alcoholic cider for the braising process.
How long do you sear the chicken thighs?
The chicken should be seared in oil and butter for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
Which vegetables are sautéed in this recipe?
The recipe includes 2/3 cup of diced onions and 1/4 lb of sliced mushrooms.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 minced garlic cloves to flavor the dish.
What herb provides the earthy flavor to this dish?
Summer savory is added to the braising liquid to provide a unique earthy flavor.
How long should the chicken simmer in the cider?
Once the liquids are added, cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
What should I serve with this chicken dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
How much honey is added to the berry sauce?
One tablespoon of honey is stirred into the thickened berry mixture.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chicken stock for the braising liquid.
How do you thicken the final pan sauce?
After removing the cooked chicken, increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Should the skillet be covered during the simmer?
Yes, the skillet should be covered while the chicken simmers for 20 to 30 minutes.
What is the preparation for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be cleaned and sliced before being sautéed with the onions and garlic.
Can I use different types of berries?
The recipe specifies mixed dried berries, which are soaked and reduced into a sauce.
Is this a good recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, its exquisite flavors and rich sauce make it perfect for both cozy dinners and special occasions.
How much oil and butter are used for cooking?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of oil and one tablespoon of butter for searing and sautéing.
When do you add the garlic to the pan?
The minced garlic is added to the skillet after the chicken has been seared and removed from the pan.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is a savory blend of earthy mushrooms, garlic, and onions, balanced by a sweet and tart berry reduction.
What do I do with the soaking liquid from the berries?
The soaking liquid is transferred along with the berries to a saucepan to be simmered into the sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient list of 4 chicken thighs, it typically serves 2 to 4 people.
Can I use salt and pepper for seasoning?
Yes, the chicken thighs should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste before they are seared.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a great way to breathe new life into a dinner routine.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to place the chicken on a plate and spoon the onion and berry sauce over the top.
How much dried berries are needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of mixed dried berries.
What is the texture of the chicken after braising?
Braising the chicken in cider and stock results in a tender and succulent texture.
How long is the onion sautéed?
The onions and mushrooms are sautéed for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.