Best Apple Cider Braised Chicken Legs Recipes

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CHICKEN NORMANDY (CHICKEN LEGS BRAISED IN APPLE CIDER & BRANDY)



Chicken Normandy (Chicken Legs Braised in Apple Cider & Brandy) image

Chicken Normandy, also known as 'Poulet á lá Normande,' is a super delicious, fall, French Chicken dish. It is whole chicken legs braised in apple cider and brandy; then cooked with onions, garlic, and herbs, and finally finished off with cream, dijon mustard, and fried apples. It's luxurious, has that definite "Wow" factor both in look and in taste - yet it's easy to make.

Provided by Edyta

Categories     Dinner     Main Course     Main Dish

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tbsp Butter (unsalted, to fry apples)
2 whole Apples* (see notes) (peeled, cored, sliced)
4 Whole Chicken Leg Quarters
pinch of Salt (to season each chicken leg)
2 tbsp Butter (unsalted, to sear the chicken legs)
1 Yellow Onion (medium size, sliced )
1 clove Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Dry Thyme
1/2 cup Brandy ((ideally Apple Brandy))
2 cups Apple Cider ((Claudy Apple Juice))
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 springs Fresh Thyme (chopped)
Salt & Pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Fry the apples: Peel, quarter, remove seeds and slice the apples. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, add the apples in one layer and fry them until golden brown, flipping a few times. Once cooked on both sides, remove apple slices and set them aside (about 5-7 minutes)
  • Sear the Chicken: To the same skillet add another 2 tablespoons of butter; season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and sprinkle with flour. Sear the chicken on the hot pan for 5-7 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Then remove the chicken from a pan and set aside.
  • Prepare the braising liquid: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. To the same pan add sliced onions. Sauté the onions on medium heat for approximately 5-7, add garlic and dry thyme and cook for another minute. Deglaze the pan with brandy and cook until half of it has evaporated, then add apple cider (cloudy apple juicer) and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Braise the chicken: Add the chicken (skin side up) back to the skillet, cover the pan and move to the hot oven. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven using heavy-duty oven mittens.
  • Finish up the sauce: Remove your chicken onto a plate and finish up the sauce. First, add heavy cream and then Dijon mustard and mix well. Cook it for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens out. Add fried apples, fresh thyme, and chicken back to the skillet (to soak up some of the sauce).
  • Serve: To serve place the sauce onto the plate, make sure each plate has onions, apples, and enough sauce to dunk in. Place a chicken leg on top of the sauce and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 660 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 25 g, Fat 47 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Cholesterol 213 mg, Sodium 273 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 13 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CIDER-BRAISED CHICKEN WITH APPLES AND KALE



Cider-Braised Chicken with Apples and Kale image

Mustard-rubbed chicken legs get super-tender when braised in apple cider and white wine for this cozy fall dinner.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Dinner     Quick and Healthy     Braise     Chicken     Kale     Apple     White Wine     Tarragon     Fall     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Winter     Mustard

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick; about 3 pounds)
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon country-style Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 pink-skinned apples, cut into 1/2" wedges
1/2 medium red onion, cut into 1/2" wedges
1 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups fresh apple cider, divided
1 large or 2 small bunches curly kale (about 1 pound), stemmed, torn into pieces
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons tarragon leaves (optional)

Steps:

  • Arrange rack in upper third of oven; preheat to 450°F. Season chicken all over with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper, then rub with 1/4 cup mustard, making sure to get mustard under skin.
  • Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large heatproof high-sided skillet or heavy braising pan over medium-high. Sear chicken, skin side down, until golden-brown, about 8 minutes. Turn chicken, then arrange apples and onion around chicken. Add wine and 1 cup cider, then transfer to oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat remaining 1/2 cup cider, 1 Tbsp. oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a large pot over medium; add kale, cover, and cook until wilted. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until kale is tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, divide kale among plates.
  • Transfer chicken, apples, and onion to plates with a slotted spoon. Heat remaining liquid in skillet over high. Add cream and remaining 1 tsp. mustard and bring to a boil. Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
  • Spoon sauce alongside chicken and kale. Garnish with tarragon, if desired.

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When it comes to comfort food, everyone has their go-to dish that they turn to when they need a little pick-me-up. For many people, that dish is chicken, and there are countless ways to prepare it. One of the most delicious and satisfying ways to cook chicken is by braising it with apple cider. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy night in, a dinner party with friends, or just about any occasion.

The Benefits of Braising Chicken

Braising is a cooking method that involves browning meat and then slow-cooking it in liquid until it becomes tender and flavorful. This process is perfect for chicken legs, which can be tough and chewy when cooked using other methods. When you braise chicken legs, they become so tender that the meat falls off the bone, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, because the chicken is cooked in liquid, it absorbs all the flavors of the ingredients in the pot, resulting in a dish that is rich, savory, and satisfying.

The Ingredients

To make apple cider braised chicken legs, you will need the following ingredients:
  • 8 chicken legs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

The Method

To make apple cider braised chicken legs, follow these steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  3. Season the chicken legs with salt and pepper, and then add them to the pot. Brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  4. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey to the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Return the chicken legs to the pot, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
  7. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and transfer it to the oven.
  8. Braise the chicken legs for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender.
  9. Remove the pot from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using tongs, remove the chicken legs from the pot and set them aside.
  10. Skim any fat from the surface of the liquid and discard it.
  11. If the liquid is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes.
  12. To serve, spoon some of the braising liquid onto a plate and place a chicken leg on top. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Variations

There are countless ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
  • Use apple juice instead of apple cider for a sweeter, milder flavor.
  • Add chopped vegetables to the pot, such as carrots, celery, and potatoes.
  • Use different herbs for garnish, such as rosemary or sage.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the braising liquid for a tangy flavor.

In Conclusion

Apple cider braised chicken legs are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. This simple yet flavorful dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. By using the braising method, you'll end up with chicken that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a crowd, apple cider braised chicken legs are sure to impress. So why not try out this recipe for your next meal? You won't be disappointed!
Apple cider braised chicken legs is a delicious and easy recipe to make for dinner. This dish is perfect for those cold winter nights when you want something comforting and warm. The combination of the apple cider and chicken creates a rich and savory gravy that will leave your taste buds wanting more. However, making this dish does require some preparation and skill. In this article, we will be discussing some valuable tips that you can use to create the perfect apple cider braised chicken legs recipe.

Tip 1- Pick the right chicken legs

The first step in making apple cider braised chicken legs is to pick the right chicken legs. It is essential to choose chicken legs that are fresh and free of any preservatives or added chemicals. Furthermore, when buying chicken legs, try to select ones that are of similar size and weight. This will help ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Tip 2- Season the chicken well

The second tip is to season the chicken well. Before you start cooking the chicken, make sure to season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add some herbs and spices, such as thyme and rosemary, to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Tip 3- Brown the chicken first

To create a deeper flavor, you need to sear the chicken legs before braising them. This process involves browning the chicken legs in a hot skillet until they have a golden-brown crust. This will help to develop the flavor of the chicken and create a delicious gravy later.

Tip 4- Use the right pan

When braising chicken legs, it is essential to use the right pan. A large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast-iron skillet will work best for this dish. These pans are perfect for slow-cooking and distributing heat evenly. Avoid using thin, non-stick pans as they may not hold up to the high heat required for braising.

Tip 5- Add vegetables and aromatics

To add more depth and flavor to this dish, consider adding some vegetables and aromatics, such as onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. These ingredients are perfect for adding more flavor and nutrition to the dish. Sauté them in the same pan where you cooked the chicken until they are softened.

Tip 6- Use apple cider vinegar

Adding apple cider vinegar to your chicken legs is a great way to enhance the flavor and create a gravy that is sweet and tangy. The acid in apple cider vinegar will help to break down the proteins in the chicken and make it tender. Add one to two cups of apple cider vinegar to the pot and let it simmer together with the chicken legs.

Tip 7- Add the apple cider at the right time

When making this dish, it's important to add the apple cider at the right time. Although apple cider is a key ingredient in the dish, adding it too early will cause it to lose its flavor during the cooking process. Instead, add the apple cider towards the end of cooking so that it can fully infuse with the chicken and other ingredients.

Tip 8- Let the chicken rest before serving

Before serving your apple cider braised chicken legs, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the stovetop. This process will enable the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors in the sauce, and it will also allow the chicken to rest and become more tender.

Tip 9- Add fresh herbs at the end

At the end of the cooking process, adding some fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro can help to brighten up the dish and add a refreshing flavor. These herbs will also complement the other herbs and spices used in the dish and add a touch of freshness to the meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple cider braised chicken legs are a delicious and easy dish to prepare. By following these valuable tips, you can create a flavorful meal that your entire family will love. Remember to pick the right chicken legs, season the chicken well, and brown the chicken before braising it. Additionally, adding vegetables and aromatics, using apple cider vinegar, and adding fresh herbs at the end can help to enhance the flavor of the dish.

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