Hard Cider Chicken with Bacon and Apples

This Hard Cider Chicken pairs crispy chicken thighs, apples, and bacon with a creamy cider, Dijon, and herb mustard sauce. Fall comfort food at its best!

Ingredients:

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 to 3-½ pounds), trimmed of excess skin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (approximate)

8 ounces thick cut bacon , cut into lardons

3 medium Fuji apples , peeled, cored, and cut into 8 wedges each

¾ cup chopped shallots

2 large garlic cloves , minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

12 ounces hard cider (dry or medium-dry)

½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon grainy or "Old Style" mustard (I use Maille)

2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

⅓ cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons Applejack (apple brandy) (optional, but highly recommended)

kosher salt and freshly ground pepper