Apple-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (Boneless, skin-on; approximately 800 g total)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (For cooking)
• 1 apple (Chopped into small pieces)
• 1 onion (Chopped into small pieces)
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 250 ml cola (Approximately half a bottle)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (For sprinkling before serving)
• salt (Optional and to taste; the soy sauces are already salty)

Steps

1. 1

   Debone the chicken thighs, removing the bones while keeping the skin intact. Rinse them briefly if desired, then pat them very dry with paper towels to prevent splattering and help them brown.

2. 2

   Place the thighs on a cutting board, skin-side down. Gently pound the meat with the back of a knife to tenderize it and create a more even thickness; do not cut the skin.

3. 3

   Chop the apple and onion into small pieces and set them aside separately.

4. 4

   Heat the oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the thighs skin-side down, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

5. 5

   Cook slowly until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Turn the thighs over and cook the other side until well browned and the chicken is almost cooked through.

6. 6

   Add the chopped apple and onion to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring carefully, until the onion begins to soften and the apple becomes fragrant.

7. 7

   Pour the light soy sauce and dark soy sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir gently to distribute them without breaking the skin.

8. 8

   Add approximately half a bottle of cola. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the browned bits.

9. 9

   Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is tender and completely cooked through; it should reach 74 °C at the thickest part.

10. 10

    Remove the lid and increase the heat. Cook until the liquid reduces to a thick, glossy sauce that coats the chicken, approximately 3 to 6 minutes. Watch the skillet carefully so the sugar in the cola does not burn.

11. 11

    Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and arrange it on a serving platter.

12. 12

    Pour the reduced sauce with the apple and onion over the chicken. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and serve hot.

Notes

The amount of chicken and the exact volume of half a bottle are not specified in the audio; they have been estimated as four thighs and 250 ml of cola. Adjust the salt carefully because both soy sauces are salty.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• chicken
• sweet and sour
• Asian-inspired
• skillet-cooked
• family meal
• with apple