This Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a warm and comforting dish! Juicy chicken gets a sweet apple cider glaze that makes it perfect for chilly nights.
The smell while it cooks is heavenly! I love serving it with mashed potatoes or a crisp salad. It’s an easy way to enjoy a taste of fall any time of the year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are great for moisture and flavor. If you need a lighter option, you can use skinless chicken breasts, though they may not be as juicy. I personally love the flavor that skin-on thighs bring.
Apples: For this recipe, sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully. If you prefer tart flavors, Granny Smith apples are a great choice! Feel free to experiment according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Apple Cider: Look for real apple cider, not apple juice for a richer flavor. In a pinch, you can use a mixture of apple juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic the taste, although fresh cider is usually best.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey for a floral sweetness, or maple syrup for a deeper flavor. If you’re vegan, maple syrup is a great alternative. Adjust the amount according to your sweetness preference!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Skin on Chicken?
Getting that golden, crispy skin is key to this dish. First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start at medium-high heat. This ensures the skin crisps up rather than steams.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn’t big enough, consider working in batches.
- Leave the chicken undisturbed for the first few minutes. This helps form a crisp layer.
- Flip only once! This keeps the skin intact and deliciously beautiful.
Remember, patience is key when it comes to getting perfect skin!
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 apples, cored and cut into chunks (leave the skin on for color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to make them flavorful.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat up the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet skin-side down. Sear them until the skin is beautifully golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip them over and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Apples and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped apples and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they smell wonderful and the apples have started to soften a bit.
4. Make the Cider Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), thyme, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk it all together until well mixed.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour that delicious cider mixture into the skillet with the sautéed apples and garlic. Stir everything gently to combine and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and slightly reduce.
6. Add the Chicken Back:
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the apples. Toss in the fresh rosemary sprigs for added flavor and aroma.
7. Bake:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
8. Rest and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Spoon the flavorful apple cider glaze and tender apples over the chicken when serving.
Enjoy this cozy dish with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad! It’s sure to bring warmth to your table.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can use skinless or skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster and might not be as juicy. Check for doneness at around 20 minutes in the oven.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Apples?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of apples, you can substitute them with pears, butternut squash, or even carrots. Each will give a different vibe to the dish but will still be delicious!
What Can I Serve with the Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also complements the sweet flavors nicely!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of apple cider if the glaze needs refreshing.
