Cider Braised Chicken Over Smoked Cheddar Grits

Total Time: 1 hr Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cups unsweetened apple cider
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 4 cups thinly sliced sweet onions
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup quick-cooking grits
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• fresh thyme sprig

Recipe

• 1 in large skillet over medium high heat, place 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 2 add chicken and cook about 3 minutes per side, until browned. remove to 9x12-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
• 3 in small bowl, whisk together apple cider, thyme, garlic salt and honey; pour over chicken.
• 4 place in 350°f oven and bake about 45 minutes or until fork tender. in large skillet, heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium high heat.
• 5 add onions and saute about 3 minutes or until transparent.
• 6 reduce heat to low, cover and cook 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. remove lid and continue cooking about 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• 7 in medium saucepan, place water and bring to rapid boil.
• 8 stir in grits, reduce heat to medium low and cover. cook about 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
• 9 reduce heat to low; stir in butter and cheese and continue stirring until melted. cover and remove from heat.
• 10 to serve, place equal amounts of grits in 4 shallow bowls. top with onion mixture and 2 chicken thighs. garnish with thyme sprigs. makes 4 servings.