Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe features juicy, skin-on chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze made from brown sugar, fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The glaze is infused with aromatic spices and fresh apple for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Glaze Ingredients
- 1¼ cup Apple Cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 3 cloves Garlic (grated or minced)
- 1/3 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
- 1 sprig Fresh Thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 1 Honeycrisp Apple (large, sliced)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to build a well-balanced flavor base.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, grated garlic, diced yellow onion, Dijon mustard, grated fresh ginger, nutmeg, and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs until combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add Apple Slices and Glaze: Arrange the sliced Honeycrisp apple around the chicken thighs in the skillet. Pour the previously prepared glaze evenly over the chicken and apples. Reduce heat to medium-low to gently simmer the sauce.
- Simmer and Glaze: Cover the skillet loosely and let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 15-20 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken occasionally to create a sticky, flavorful coating as the sauce reduces and thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the herb sprigs, then transfer the chicken and apples to plates. Spoon additional glaze from the skillet over the top. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for crispy texture and richer flavor.
- Fresh apple cider adds sweetness and depth; do not substitute with vinegar.
- Adjust sweetness by varying brown sugar amount according to taste.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Use fresh herbs for best aroma and flavor; dried herbs will not have the same impact.
- Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.
Keywords: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Apple Chicken Thighs, Fall Dinner Recipe, Apple Cider Sauce