That Chicken Recipe I Promised A While Back...

Rachel here.

So, if you've been reading at all lately then you know I have really strong and fond feelings about "The Family Dinner" by Laurie David and Kirsten Uhrenholdt. And, though summer has decided to finally peak out from behind the clouds here in the Bay Area as of late, I know for many of you--ok, probably MOST of you--thoughts are turning to fall. The recipe I offer today from David and Uhrenholdt's cookbook just oozes fall. It's warm, it's hearty, and it features apples and, whether you're finally basking in the warmth of the sun or giddily lapping up crisp autumn air, it's sure to be a hit.

Did I mention that it's easy? Because it is. And everyone in my family ate it to boot.

Apple Cider Chicken
with Caramelized Onions and Apples

ingredients

1 1/2 cups apple cider
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless organic chicken thighs, trimmed, each piece cut into 2 pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, cut into wedges
3 slices of bacon, chopped
2 tart apples, peel left on, cut into wedges
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

method (makes 4-6 servings)

In a large bowl, combine the apple cider, salt, rosemary, and chicken. Set aside.
preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a large ovenproof nonstick pan, drizzle the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the onion wedges and bacon. Saute over medium heat until the onions are wilted and golden. This will take 10-15 minutes. Now add the apples and saute until they start to soften around the edges and get a bit of color as well, about 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, drain the chicken, reserving the apple cider for later. Toss the chicken pieces in the flour.
Remove the apples and onions from the pan. If you need to, add a drizzle of olive oil to the same pan. Over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken. You might have to do this in two batches.
When all the chicken is golden, add the apple cider vinegar and the reserved apple cider. Stir well, add the chicken stock, bring back to a simmer, and then pile the apples and onions on top (this is just vanity--the dish looks better this way).
Stick the pan in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink.