Description
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and savory apple cider glaze infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Perfectly seared and baked, the dish features the warmth of fresh rosemary and thyme, balanced by a touch of Dijon mustard, ginger, and nutmeg, making it an ideal comforting meal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
Main Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Thighs (skin-on)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
Apple Cider Glaze
- 1¼ cup Apple Cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 3 cloves Garlic (grated or minced)
- 1/3 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary
- 1 sprig Fresh Thyme
- 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated)
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- 1 Honeycrisp Apple (large, sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over both sides of each chicken thigh to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear them for about 4 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In the same skillet, sauté the finely diced onion until translucent and fragrant. Add apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, grated ginger, fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, and nutmeg. Stir well and simmer the mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Add Apples and Chicken: Place the sliced Honeycrisp apple into the skillet and nestle the seared chicken thighs on top. Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken to coat well.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, baste the chicken again with the glaze for extra flavor, and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve with extra spoonfuls of the delicious apple cider glaze.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish due to the rendered fat.
- Apple cider is not the same as apple cider vinegar; be sure to use sweet apple cider for the glaze.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the glaze and chicken to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the chicken.
- The recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sear and Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: apple cider, glazed chicken, chicken thighs, seared chicken, autumn recipe, savory apple glaze, baked chicken
