Emeril's Bourbon Braised Chicken and Apple Sausage with Onions

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with Emeril's Bourbon Braised Chicken and Apple Sausage with Onions—a soul-warming dish that's bursting with rich, savory flavors! This recipe combines golden, crispy chicken thighs with juicy apple sausage, caramelized onions, and a smooth bourbon-infused sauce, creating the ultimate balance of sweet, smoky, and umami. Slowly simmered with fresh thyme and chicken stock, every bite is tender, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for cozy gatherings or indulgent meals at home, this one-pot wonder pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread for an effortless, gourmet experience. Whether you're craving comforting fall flavors or a standout dinner centerpiece, this dish is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 12 ounces Apple sausage, fully cooked
• 2 medium Yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup Bourbon
• 1.5 cups Chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.

Step 3

Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 6

Carefully pour in the bourbon. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the alcohol cook off slightly while using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 7

Add the chicken stock to the skillet, followed by the thyme sprigs. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, along with any juices that may have accumulated on the plate. Nestle the apple sausage around the chicken.

Step 9

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Step 10

Remove the lid and cook for another 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 11

Discard the thyme sprigs before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1898.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3057.5

Total Fat 216.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 759.0mg	0%
Sodium 5445.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 46.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g	0%
Total Sugars 22.9g
Protein 173.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 273.0mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 2181.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.9%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 6.5%