This cozy apple cider glazed chicken is perfect for a warm dinner! Sweet apple cider, tangy vinegar, and yummy spices come together to make a tasty sauce that sticks to the chicken.
I love how easy it is to make this dish. Just pour the glaze over chicken, cook, and let those delicious flavors blend. It’s a great way to warm up on a chilly night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juicy texture. If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, but the cooking time may change, so keep an eye on it!
Apple Cider: Fresh, unfiltered apple cider gives the best flavor to this dish. If you can’t find it, regular apple juice works too, but it may be slightly sweeter. I like adding a splash of water to balance the sweetness if you do this.
Honey or Maple Syrup: You can use either honey or maple syrup for sweetness. If you’re vegan, agave syrup is a great substitute. I’ve found that maple syrup gives a lovely depth of flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary create wonderful aromas. If you only have dried herbs, use about a third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. I often use Italian seasoning as an alternative too!
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
To achieve that desirable crispy skin on your chicken, follow these steps carefully:
- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this helps a lot.
- Heat the oil in the skillet until it’s hot, then add the chicken skin-side down. Sear without moving them for the full time, around 6-8 minutes.
- Only flip the chicken when the skin is golden and crispy. Cooking the other side for just a few minutes helps to create a lovely texture.
This method gives you that perfect golden, crispy skin that holds in all the delicious juices!
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large apple, cored and cut into wedges (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for finishing the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at approximately 45 minutes until you have a delicious meal ready! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’ll be just right by the time your chicken is prepped and ready to go in!
2. Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get nice and crispy later! Then, sprinkle generous amounts of salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Remember to flip them and cook for another 3 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Apples:
In the same skillet, toss in the apple wedges. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften—this will bring out their sweet flavor!
5. Add the Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until it smells divine.
6. Pour in the Cider:
Next, pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—this adds flavor!
7. Add Sweetness and Herbs:
Add the honey (or maple syrup) and the fresh thyme leaves. Toss in the rosemary sprigs too. These ingredients will create a delicious glaze!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet, placing it skin side up among the apples. Move this whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken!
9. Finish the Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, take the skillet out carefully. If you’d like, transfer the chicken to a platter and place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the sauce and stir until it thickens slightly—this adds richness!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Drizzle the shiny apple cider glaze over the chicken and apples. Garnish with extra fresh thyme or rosemary if you like. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy this comforting, flavorful chicken with its sweet-tart apple cider glaze and inviting herb aroma!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless chicken thighs will cook faster, so check for doneness around 20-25 minutes instead of 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For this recipe, substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for fresh thyme, and about 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary if you’d like.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple cider glaze and sear the chicken thighs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and bake just before serving, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time if reheating from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
