Pollo a la Sidra (or Chicken in apple cider) is a traditional Spanish dish made with alcoholic apple cider, or, Sidra. You can choose to make this dish with non-alcoholic cider if you prefer.

Chicken braised in Apple Cider: Serves 4

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Season 3 lbs of chicken (on the bone) with a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Heat 2 Tbsp of Spanish olive oil in an ovenproof casserole over medium heat and saute 1 cup of finely chopped red onion. Stir for about 10 minutes, then add 8 oz. of diced pancetta or chorizo. Cook, stirring, about 5 minutes. Remove the meat and onions with a slotted spoon, then set them aside in a bowl.

Add 2 Tbsp more olive oil to the casserole. In batches, so as not to overcrowd the pan, brown the chicken on all sides. As the chicken browns, add it to the bowl with the pancetta and onions. When all the chicken has been browned and the casserole is empty, add 3/4 cup of apple cider and 1/2 cup apple juice. Boil the liquids for about 5 minutes. Return the chicken, onions, and pancetta to the casserole. The liquid should come a little less than halfway up the chicken. It is important that the chicken is not too covered with liquid. (Pour out or add more liquid as needed to keep this level fairly consistent).

Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. For the last 20 minutes, increase the oven temp to 425 degrees.

When the chicken is done, remove it from the casserole, then return the casserole with the cider still in it to the stove top over medium heat. Reduce the liquid for about 10 minutes. Season the cider with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve over mashed potatoes. Garnish with minced fresh cilantro or parsley.

Easy weeknight dinners is published every Tuesday at noon.

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Jessica Alfreds

Jessica Alfreds is a Chef, Caterer, and Event Planner based in New York City. She is currently working on her first cookbook, teaching herself how to sew, and attempting to live a purposeful life. Jessica is a 3rd generation New Yorker and currently resides in the East Village. Visit jessicaalfreds.com.

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