Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cup Apple Cider; 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 Nutmeg; 1 Honeycrisp Apple (large, sliced); 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

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of apple cider with savory chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a mouthwatering flavor that will impress your guests. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it a great choice for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

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)
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 Nutmeg
1 Honeycrisp Apple (large)
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

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Season both sides of each chicken thigh evenly with this mixture.
Sear the Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In the same skillet, sauté the onion until transparent. Then, combine apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, garlic, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
Add the Apple and Chicken: Add the sliced Honeycrisp apple to the skillet, then place the chicken thighs on top. Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, baste the chicken with the glaze, and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve, spooning extra glaze over the chicken.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is best served warm. Pair it with side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness of the glaze. Don’t forget to drizzle extra glaze over the chicken for added flavor.

How to Store Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

If you have leftovers, store the glazed chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven method keeps the skin crispy.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Make sure to sear the chicken well to give it a nice brown color and flavor.
For a thicker glaze, simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency.
You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.

Variation

Feel free to add other seasonal fruits, like pears or cranberries, to the glaze for a new twist. You can also use different herbs like sage or tarragon for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, you can use apple juice, but it may lack the depth of flavor that apple cider provides.

2. Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs enhance the flavor, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time. Just store them separately and bake when you’re ready to serve.