Nigel Slater’s recipe for chicken thighs with mushrooms and cider

Nigel Slater shares a simple yet immensely satisfying autumn dish that embodies the season’s warmth.

To start, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a shallow pan. Season 4 large chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then place them skin side down in the pan. Allow them to cook until the skins achieve a pale golden hue. After that, flip the thighs over and lightly brown the other side.

Next, peel and roughly chop 2 medium onions. Remove the browned chicken to a plate and add the onions to the pan, adding a splash more oil if necessary. Sauté the onions over moderate heat for about 10 minutes until they begin to soften. Nigel often includes a medium-sized potato in this step as well.

Slice 100 grams of mushrooms—brown chestnut or button varieties work best—and add them to the pan along with the leaves from a couple of bushy sprigs of rosemary, 6 whole black peppercorns, and bay leaves if you have them. Continue to cook the mushrooms, adding a bit more oil if desired, until they become glossy.

Next, pour in 500 milliliters of cider and bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, return the chicken pieces to the pan, and partially cover it with a lid. Allow everything to simmer for about 35 minutes, until the chicken turns tender. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Chop a couple of tablespoons of parsley and stir it into the juices before serving. Present the dish in a bowl, making sure to include plenty of the delicious pan juices. This recipe serves two and is ready in about 70 minutes.

Nigel recommends using a large sauté pan, at least 26 centimeters in diameter. If you’re adding potatoes, scrub them well and cut them into large pieces, adding them once the mushrooms have softened. This method allows the potatoes to soak up some of the flavorful juices as they cook. If you include the potatoes, no additional sides are necessary; otherwise, a bowl of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly.

To keep up with Nigel’s culinary adventures, follow him on Instagram @NigelSlater.