Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs simmered in a sweet-tangy cider sauce with crispy skin, tender meat, and cozy fall flavor in every bite.
Servings: 6
Calories: 363kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (about 6 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup apple cider not apple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, scraping up the browned bits. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the apple cider, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Sprinkle with thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the chicken to a serving plate. Stir the butter into the sauce until glossy. Spoon the glaze over the chicken and serve hot.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry. Dry skin = better browning and crispier texture.
- Use real apple cider. Not apple juice, cider has deeper, richer flavor and makes the glaze shine.
- Don’t rush the sear. Golden skin builds the base of the sauce, so give it time.
- Simmer gently. Medium-low heat cooks the chicken through without drying it out.
- Finish with butter. That last tablespoon makes the glaze glossy and smooth.
- Fresh thyme is ideal. Dried thyme works too, but use half the amount.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 545mg | Potassium: 346mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg
