Baked Chicken with Cider and Smoky Bacon: A Taste of Autumn in Every Bite

The weather has turned in my part of the world, and autumn has rushed in with crisp mornings, clear azure skies, and the promise of cool evenings. It's a short season, and every day is to be cherished. It's a joy to be cooking food for the season: warming and hearty stews and soups, roasts and puddings, root vegetables with earthy herbs like thyme, tarragon, and rosemary.

This casserole is rich and filling; perfect for the season, especially after a day in the outdoors. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and the subtle sweetness of dry apple cider creates a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cool evening. It's the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

Choosing the Right Cider

When making this dish, try to find cider made from fresh apple juice, rather than concentrate, and look for a dry, not sweet variety. A dry cider provides a depth of flavour that complements the smoky bacon and the richness of the chicken without overwhelming the dish with sweetness. The acidity of the cider also helps to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it is succulent and falling-off-the-bone tender.

We love drinking cider in the summer, and the brew from the Barossa Cider Co. is one of our favourites. It is perfect for this dish, crisp, dry, and full of character. If you can't find that specific brand, look for a quality dry cider from a local producer.

The Perfect Sides

Serve this casserole with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, and some crusty bread to sop up the leftover sauce. The mashed potatoes provide a smooth, buttery counterpoint to the rich sauce, while the green beans add a touch of colour and freshness. The bread is essential; no drop of that delicious sauce should go to waste.

Recipe: Baked Chicken with Cider and Smoky Bacon

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 chicken Maryland pieces, skin on

• 4 rashers smoky bacon, chopped

• 1 medium brown onion, peeled, halved, and sliced

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 4–5 sprigs of thyme, plus more for serving

• 2 heaped teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 450 ml dry apple cider

• Sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Preheat and brown the chicken: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chicken and brown the pieces all over until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics: Place the onion, garlic, bacon, and thyme into the pan and sauté until the onion is softened. Take care not to burn the garlic; keep the heat moderate and stir frequently.

3. Deglaze with cider: Turn the heat up to high. Pour in the cider and cook for a couple of minutes before adding the Dijon mustard. Use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape off any of the delicious crispy bits stuck to the bottom of the pan this is where so much of the flavour lives.

4. Assemble the casserole: Remove the pan from the heat. Place the sauce in the bottom of a medium-sized casserole dish. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and spoon over some of the sauce. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5. Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake in the oven for 35–40 minutes. Remove the foil and spoon a little more of the sauce over the chicken, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.

6. Serve: Remove the cooked thyme sprigs before serving and scatter over about a tablespoon more of fresh thyme leaves, along with another generous grind of black pepper. Serve immediately with your chosen sides.

A Note on the Ingredients

The smoked bacon is essential; it adds a layer of savoury depth that elevates the entire dish. Choose a good quality bacon with a strong smoky flavour. The Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the cider. The thyme is a classic pairing with chicken and cider, providing a herbaceous note that grounds the dish.

A Dish for All Seasons

While this casserole is particularly suited to autumn, it's a dish that can be enjoyed throughout the cooler months. It's the kind of meal that brings comfort and warmth, whether you're serving it to family on a quiet Sunday or to friends around a lively dinner table. The leftovers are equally delicious if there are any.

This baked chicken with cider and smoky bacon is more than just a recipe; it's a celebration of the season. It captures the essence of autumn in a single dish hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and dry cider creates a harmony of flavours that is both comforting and sophisticated.

So, as the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of this beautiful casserole fill your home. It's a dish that will warm you from the inside out.