Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Short Description

Juicy, golden-browned chicken thighs glazed in a sweet, tangy, and aromatic apple cider sauce with fresh herbs, onions, and honeycrisp apples. This dish perfectly blends savory comfort with autumn-inspired flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple cider glazed chicken is the ultimate cozy dish for fall. The crisp-seared chicken thighs soak up a flavorful glaze made with apple cider, herbs, Dijon mustard, and spices, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Glaze

1¼ cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
⅓ cup brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, grated or minced
⅓ cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 large Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced

For the Chicken

4 chicken thighs, skin on
1 tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp avocado oil

Directions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Season both sides of chicken thighs with the spice mixture.
4. Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

Make the Glaze

5. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent.
6. Stir in apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, garlic, ginger, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Bake the Chicken

7. Add sliced apples to the skillet, then place chicken thighs on top. Spoon glaze over the chicken.
8. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
9. Remove from oven, baste chicken with glaze, and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve

10. Garnish with chopped parsley and spoon extra glaze from the skillet over the chicken before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner version (adjust cooking time).
• Swap Honeycrisp apples with Granny Smith for a more tart contrast.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze for extra tanginess.
• Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for subtle heat.
• Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
• Add mushrooms or butternut squash slices to the skillet for a complete one-pan meal.
• Try sage instead of rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Make it creamy by stirring in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Add pearl onions or shallots for extra sweetness.
• Garnish with toasted pecans for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cider to loosen the glaze.
• Can be frozen (without apples) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken?

Yes, but reduce cooking time in the oven to 12–15 minutes to avoid drying out.

What type of apple cider should I use?

Use fresh, unsweetened apple cider (not apple juice or apple cider vinegar).

Do I need to peel the apples?

No, leaving the skin on helps them hold their shape, but peeling works if you prefer.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free as written.

What’s the best pan to use?

A large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe stainless steel pan works best for even searing and baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or two pans to avoid overcrowding.

How do I thicken the glaze?

Simmer a few minutes longer on the stovetop until it reduces, or stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the glaze and apples a day ahead, then sear and bake the chicken just before serving.

Does the alcohol in Worcestershire cook off?

Yes, the small amount cooks off during simmering, leaving only flavor.

What can I serve with this chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair perfectly with the sweet-savory glaze.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a flavorful, hearty dish that captures the essence of fall. With juicy chicken, a spiced cider glaze, and tender apples, it’s a recipe that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough to impress at the dinner table.

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