Pin It A festive Bavarian-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken thighs baked atop sweet-and-sour red cabbage, apples, and onions, finished with warming spices perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy family meal.
This dish quickly became a favorite at our family dinners especially during chilly fall evenings.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Vegetable & Fruit Base: 1 small red cabbage (about 700 g) cored and thinly sliced, 2 medium apples cored and sliced, 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, 2 cloves garlic minced
- Sweet-Sour Marinade: 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Additional: 100 ml chicken broth, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Prepare Base:
- In a large ovenproof casserole or roasting pan combine the sliced red cabbage, apples, onion, and garlic.
- Make Marinade:
- In a small bowl whisk together apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, caraway seeds, allspice, cloves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this sweet-sour marinade over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Broth and Butter:
- Pour the chicken broth over the cabbage. Dot the top with cubed butter.
- Season Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry. Rub them with vegetable oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Arrange Chicken:
- Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up on top of the cabbage mixture.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the casserole tightly with foil or a lid. Bake for 40 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Remove the foil or lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken skin is golden and crisp and the cabbage is tender and caramelized.
- Serve:
- Serve hot spooning some of the sweet-sour cabbage and apples onto each plate beneath the chicken.
Pin It This recipe often brings everyone around the table sharing stories and laughter after a long day.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof casserole dish or roasting pan mixing bowls chefs knife cutting board measuring spoons and cups aluminum foil or casserole lid
Allergen Information
Contains no major allergens but if adding bacon check for additives if sensitive always verify ingredient labels for cross-contamination especially gluten or dairy sensitive individuals
Nutritional Information
Calories 435 total fat 21 g carbohydrates 32 g protein 29 g per serving
Pin It Enjoy this comforting dish that celebrates the flavors of Bavarian autumn with every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide rich flavor and crispy skin when baked alongside the vegetables.
- → Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Yes, additions like diced smoked bacon enhance flavor, and serving with buttered spaetzle or boiled potatoes complements the dish well.
- → How is the red cabbage prepared for the bake?
The cabbage is thinly sliced and combined with apples, onions, and a sweet-and-sour marinade before baking, allowing it to soften and caramelize.
- → What spices contribute to the flavor profile?
Spices like caraway seeds, allspice, cloves, thyme, and sweet paprika create a warm, autumnal depth to the dish.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets unless additional sides contain gluten.
- → How long should the dish be baked for optimal results?
Bake covered for 40 minutes, then uncovered for about 30 minutes to achieve tender cabbage and crispy chicken skin.