Mouthwatering Chicken Cider Bake with Crispy Bacon and Rich Gravy

What Makes Chicken Cider Bake So Special?

Simple Yet Flavorful Ingredients

The beauty of Chicken Cider Bake lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a deep, rich flavor. Chicken legs are the star of this dish, providing both juicy meat and crispy skin when browned. The hard cider serves as the base for the gravy, adding a mild sweetness and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory notes of bacon and chicken stock.

For the creamy, velvety sauce, crème fraîche is used, giving the dish a luxurious texture. If you’re out of crème fraîche or prefer a different taste, crème fraîche substitutes like heavy cream or sour cream will work just as well.

One-Pot Comfort Food Dinner

What makes this recipe a go-to for comfort food dinners is how effortlessly everything cooks together in one pot. First, the chicken is browned to create a crispy crust, adding flavor from the caramelized bits that form at the bottom of the pot. Then, vegetables like onions and celery join the mix, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Finally, everything is bathed in the cider-based gravy, simmered to perfection in the oven, and served with the chicken legs resting in a rich sauce.

How to Make Chicken Cider Bake: Step-by-Step

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken legs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup hard cider
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup crème fraîche (or substitute)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Crusty bread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and set the oven rack in the middle position.
2. Brown the Chicken: Season the chicken legs generously with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken legs in batches (2 at a time) for about 10-11 minutes, skin-side down first. Once golden and crispy, remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon and Veggies: In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook for 5 minutes until the bacon fat renders and the bacon crisps up. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon in the pot. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Prepare the Gravy: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the hard cider, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add chicken stock, thyme sprig, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Bake the Chicken: Return the chicken legs to the pot, skin-side up. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven. Bake for 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
6. Finish the Gravy: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it and set it aside, covering it with foil to keep warm. Add the crème fraîche to the gravy, stirring until well combined. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. For a thicker sauce, continue simmering for an additional 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve: Return the chicken to the pot and top with crispy bacon. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread on the side.

Chicken Cider Bake Storage and Leftovers

How to Store Chicken Cider Bake:

If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry! Chicken bake leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before refrigerating. For freezing chicken bake, place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and it will last for up to 1 month. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to maintain the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Tips for Storing:

• For freezing: Let the dish cool completely before freezing to avoid moisture buildup.
• For reheating: To reheat frozen chicken bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently warm it on the stove. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir the gravy to prevent it from separating.

Variations and Substitutes for Chicken Cider Bake

• Cider Gravy Variations: You can make variations of the cider gravy by adjusting the type of cider you use. A dry cider will create a more savory sauce, while a sweeter cider can balance the flavors if you prefer a milder taste. You could also try using apple juice if you don’t have cider on hand.
• Crème Fraîche Substitute: If you’re looking for a crème fraîche substitute, you can use sour cream or heavy cream. Sour cream will add a bit of tang to the dish, while heavy cream will give it a silky smooth texture.
• Chicken Bake with Thyme: Fresh thyme is essential to this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile. Thyme’s subtle earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the cider-based gravy.

Why This Recipe Works: The Perfect Comfort Food

Easy Chicken Recipe

This easy chicken recipe requires minimal preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The steps are simple and straightforward, and it requires no advanced cooking skills. Perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs alike, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in just over an hour.

Hearty and Flavorful

Chicken bake with cider is the epitome of a hearty chicken dish. The combination of crispy chicken, flavorful gravy, and the added richness from bacon makes for a comforting meal that feels special yet isn’t overly complicated to prepare.

Perfect for Fall

This chicken bake for fall is perfect for cooler months, with the cider-based gravy bringing warmth and richness to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with seasonal sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it an ideal option for your fall family dinners.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cider Bake is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It combines tender chicken legs with a rich cider gravy, crispy bacon, and a smooth crème fraîche base, creating an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply looking for a cozy meal, this recipe will become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s easy to store and reheat, making it a great option for meal prep or chicken bake leftovers. Enjoy this chicken bake with thyme and experience all the warmth and comfort it has to offer!