CHICKEN THIGHS WITH POLENTA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375°F Arrange the bacon on a broiler pan and bake until crisp, about 10 minutes. Alternatively, cook the bacon in the microwave.
• In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper; add to the skillet and cook, turning once, until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
• Add the butter to the skillet to melt. Add the apples, onion, thyme and sage. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Cook until the apples are crisp-tender, 5-6 minutes. Stir in about 1/2 cup chicken stock, the apple cider, and the apple brandy. Add the chicken, coat with the sauce, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
• In a medium saucepan, bring the remaining 2 cups stock and the milk to a boil. Whisk in the polenta and cook, whisking constantly, until thick, 2 to 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Whisk in the cheese until melted.
• Serve on rimmed plates and top with the chicken, apples, onion, and crisscrossed slices of bacon.