Recipe: Chicken with Apples and Bacon (using chicken thighs)

CHICKEN WITH APPLES AND BACON

3 slices turkey bacon, chopped
12 chicken thighs without skin
2 small onions, halved and sliced
1 1/4 cups apple juice
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes. Transfer bacon with a slotted spoon to a piece of paper towel to drain.

Discard all but 2 tsp of fat from pan. Add half of the chicken and brown well, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining thighs.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add onions to pan. Cook, scraping up browned bits at bottom of pan, until onions are browned and beginning to soften, about 4 minutes.

Add apple juice, apples, mustard, vinegar, thyme, salt, pepper and reserved bacon and chicken thighs to pan. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink in center, 20 to 25 minutes.

In a small bowl, stir cornstarch together with 2 tsp water; stir into sauce. Cook until sauce thickens, about 1 minute.

VARIATION:
You may use Bosc Pears and rosemary instead of the apples and thyme.

Servings: 6
Source: Shaw's