Ah, the joy of fall cooking—the crisp air and crunchy leaves always make me crave something warm and comforting. This Easy Baked Apple Cider Chicken with Savory Cabbage is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds! The chicken, bathed in sweet apple cider, pairs so well with the earthy cabbage—it’s like the culinary equivalent of a long walk through a pumpkin patch (or maybe just a really good meal after a long day).
Steps
- Combine the chicken, olive oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic in a large resealable plastic bag. Ensure all ingredients are well mixed and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or leave it overnight for better flavor infusion.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the marinated chicken along with the marinade into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Arrange the sliced cabbage and apple wedges around the chicken in the dish.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove it from the oven, flip the chicken pieces, and apply Dijon mustard to the top of each piece.
- Continue baking for another 35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and the apples have softened. Once done, garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, bone-in chicken legs (thighs and drumsticks), trimmed
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 medium head of red cabbage, cored and cut into 8 wedges
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 8 wedges
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1672 kcal | Carbohydrates: 80 g | Protein: 210 g | Fat: 54 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Cholesterol: 964 mg | Sodium: 3176 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 48 g
FAQ
- Can I marinate the chicken for more than four hours?
- Yes, you can marinate the chicken for a minimum of four hours or leave it overnight for enhanced flavor. This flexibility allows you to prepare the dish in advance, simplifying meal prep on the day of cooking.
- What can I serve with Baked Apple Cider Chicken and Cabbage?
- This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great pair with a simple green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, a raw Brussels sprout salad, or roasted broccoli to complete the meal.
- Can I use a different type of cabbage?
- Absolutely, you can substitute red cabbage with either white or napa cabbage, depending on your preference or what you have available.
- Is it okay to use different chicken parts?
- Yes, you can use any bone-in, skinless chicken parts that you prefer, such as thighs or drumsticks, making the dish versatile to suit your taste.
- How does the apple cider and vinegar marinade affect the chicken?
- The apple cider and apple cider vinegar, combined with herbs, impart a slightly sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, enhancing its taste and making it perfect for a cozy fall meal.
Tips
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the apple cider mixture for a minimum of four hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to fully develop and infuse into the chicken.
- When placing the chicken in the baking dish, ensure that the cabbage and apple wedges are evenly distributed around the chicken for a uniform cook and balanced flavor throughout the dish.
- Halfway through the cooking process, remember to turn the chicken and brush on the Dijon mustard. This step enhances the flavor profile and adds a delightful tang to the dish.
- To complete your meal, consider pairing the chicken and cabbage with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli for a well-rounded, nutritious dinner.
Equipment
- Large plastic ziplock bags (for marinating the chicken)
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish (such as a Pyrex dish)
