Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

If you’re on the lookout for a dinner recipe that feels cozy, special, and just a little bit fancy without being complicated, Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this dish comes together with tender, juicy chicken thighs that get a beautiful, sticky apple cider glaze – it’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. When I first tried this, my family couldn’t stop asking for seconds, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be your next favorite weeknight winner too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Flavorful: The boneless skinless chicken thighs lock in moisture while the glaze delivers bold flavor.
Simple and Quick: Minimal prep and using your oven means hands-off cooking time.
Versatile Glaze: The apple cider glaze adds natural sweetness with a tangy punch that pairs with so many meals.
Family Friendly: My kids go bonkers over this, and you’ll love how easy it is to please everyone.

The image shows two large cooked chicken parts on a round white plate. The chicken skin is golden brown with darker roasted spots and a shiny, slightly oily texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and in the background, part of a grey cloth and some silver forks are slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is reaching towards the food from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, easy chicken dinner recipes, flavorful chicken thigh recipes, weeknight chicken ideas, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe uses simple pantry staples, but together they create a glaze that’s pleasantly sweet with just the right amount of tang. Look for good quality dijon mustard and fresh apple cider to keep the flavors bright and balanced.

Flat lay of fresh raw boneless skinless chicken thighs neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth dijon mustard, a small white bowl of golden apple cider vinegar, coarse pink Himalayan salt crystals in a white dish, whole black peppercorns scattered in a white bowl, bright red paprika powder in a white bowl, a few pats of salted butter on a white plate, fine white cornstarch in a small white bowl, a white ceramic bowl filled with amber apple cider, light brown soft packed brown sugar in a small white bowl, all ingredients naturally fresh and unprocessed, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, easy chicken dinner recipes, flavorful chicken thigh recipes, weeknight chicken ideas, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and cook evenly without the bone.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives the glaze its characteristic tang and depth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance sweet notes.
Paprika: Provides mild smokiness and beautiful color.
Salted butter: Makes the glaze rich and silky.
Cornstarch: Thickens the glaze into a luscious sauce.
Apple cider: The star of the glaze—yummy, fresh, and slightly sweet.
Brown sugar: Enhances the sweetness for that sticky finish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes depending on what’s in my fridge or what I’m craving. This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is so easy to customize—you’ll find your own twist in no time!

Add fresh herbs: Sprinkling thyme or rosemary on the chicken before baking adds a lovely earthy note that really complements the apple glaze.
Spicy kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning blend—it wakes up the dish beautifully.
Swap for bone-in thighs: If you prefer, bone-in skin-on thighs work as well—just adjust cooking time and watch for crispier skin perfection.
Make it gluten-free: Simply use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as thickener—no wheat flour here!

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Place your boneless skinless chicken thighs in a single layer on the baking sheet. Now, whisk together 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika in a small bowl. Brush this mixture evenly over the chicken; this seasoning layer locks in tons of flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Pop the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. While you wait, your kitchen will start to smell amazing—a good sign that things are going well. Keep an eye on the chicken so it doesn’t start to dry out; boneless thighs are pretty forgiving though, so you’re in good shape.

Step 3: Make the Apple Cider Glaze

While the chicken bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch quickly so it dissolves fully with no lumps. Then pour in 1 cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Keep whisking the sauce until it thickens, about 2 minutes. This glaze is where the magic happens—thick, shiny, and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Baking

Take the chicken out of the oven. Carefully brush the apple cider glaze all over the thighs, coating each piece generously. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted reads 175°F (80°C). This extra step gives that beautiful sticky finish you’ll come back for again and again.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Brush Twice: Glazing the chicken twice—before baking and after—builds layers of flavor and enhances stickiness.
Pat Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, I like to pat my chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better and crisp the edges.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid drying out the thighs, checking internal temperature is the best way to ensure juiciness.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes after baking—this helps redistribute juices for ultimate tenderness.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Four golden brown cooked pieces of chicken with a slightly glossy sauce coating on top are arranged close together on a round white plate with subtle lines. The sauce looks smooth and creamy, dripping a little on the sides of the chicken. A glass with a light brown liquid is visible near the top right corner of the image. A grey textured cloth is placed in the upper left corner, and a small bunch of green leafy herbs appears at the bottom right edge on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, easy chicken dinner recipes, flavorful chicken thigh recipes, weeknight chicken ideas, sweet and tangy chicken dishes

Garnishes

I usually garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving because it adds a nice bright color and an herbal note that balances the sweetness of the glaze. Sometimes I toss on a handful of toasted pecans or thin apple slices for a fun textural contrast and an extra nod to the apple theme.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf—both soak up that glorious glaze perfectly. Roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots also add great seasonal flavors and a pop of color that makes the meal feel even more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love plating these chicken thighs over a bed of wilted spinach or kale, drizzling extra glaze over the plate, and adding a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a festive look. Another fun way is to serve them on a wooden board with assorted apple slices and sharp cheddar cheese for an impromptu appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The glaze might thicken further in the fridge, but a quick reheat can loosen it back up nicely.

Freezing

Yes, this recipe freezes well! After cooling, I wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They stay great for about 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 300°F) or in a skillet over medium heat, brushing extra glaze on to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid the microwave if you can—oven reheating preserves the sticky texture best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe?

While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out faster than thighs during baking. If you substitute, watch your cooking time closely and consider lowering the oven temperature slightly. Chicken thighs are preferred here for juiciness and flavor.
What can I substitute if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can work as substitutes in the glaze, though the flavor profile will slightly differ. Stick to small amounts to keep the balance of tanginess right.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener, which is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that your Dijon mustard is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and seasoning the day before, then glaze and bake it fresh the next day. This cuts down cook time and lets the flavors marinate nicely.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe has become one of those meals I turn to when I want something cozy but not fussy—it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special but comes together with ease. I love sharing it with friends when I want to impress without stress. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have sticky, sweet, tangy chicken thighs that hit all the right notes and leave everyone asking for the recipe!