Cider-Braised Chicken with Figs

Ingredients

• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp butter
• 1 large onion, cut into thin wedges
• 4 tsp minced fresh ginger
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 lbs. chicken pieces, skinned
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 12 ounces Calimyrna or Mission figs, stemmed and halved
• 1-1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp lemon juice