Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well too. Just adjust your cooking time—boneless pieces will cook faster. For chicken breasts, I'd recommend checking the internal temperature after about 10 minutes in the oven.

What's the difference between apple cider and apple juice for this recipe?

Apple cider is less filtered and has a richer, more complex flavor than apple juice. It creates a more robust sauce, but in a pinch, apple juice will work—the sauce will just be slightly sweeter and less complex.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, refrigerate, and then finish in the oven just before serving. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you'll be starting with cold chicken.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce needs thickening, remove the chicken after baking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few additional minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency. For an immediate fix, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir into the simmering sauce.

Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Description

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners. The savory chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection, seared for a crispy skin, and then baked in a luscious apple cider glaze that combines sweetness, tanginess, and spice. It’s an ideal mix of sweet and savory flavors that complement each other beautifully. You’ll love how simple this dish is to prepare, yet it feels gourmet enough to impress family or guests!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Glaze:

1/2 sweet onion, small diced
1 1/3 cup apple cider
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 apple, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures your chicken will cook evenly once placed into the oven.
Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly to coat both sides of the chicken with the seasoning.
Sear the Chicken
In a large oven-safe pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear on the other side until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Cook the Onion
In the same pan, add the diced onion to the remaining juices. Stir and cook until the onions are translucent and nearly clear.
Prepare the Glaze
Add the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to the pan. Stir the mixture until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combine Chicken and Apples
Add the sliced apples to the pan, then place the seared chicken thighs back into the pan. Using a spoon, scoop the glaze from the bottom of the pan and pour it over the chicken.
Bake
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Serve
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and spoon more glaze over the chicken. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use a cast iron pan to ensure even cooking and achieve a fantastic sear on the chicken.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help the skin turn extra crispy during searing.
Searing the chicken skin-side down first is crucial for a golden-brown crust—don’t skip this step.
Always use fresh apple cider (not apple cider vinegar) for a sweet, rich flavor.
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent overcooking or undercooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
Calories: 425
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 115mg