Description
A savory and sweet Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with a flavorful glaze made from apple cider, brown sugar, fresh herbs, and warming spices. The dish combines the crisp taste of Honeycrisp apple with garlic, onion, and a blend of seasonings, creating a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that caramelize beautifully under the glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Glaze
- 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)
- 1/3 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 Honeycrisp Apple (large, sliced or diced)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure thorough seasoning.
- Make the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, finely diced onion, Dijon mustard, grated fresh ginger, and nutmeg. Add the sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme. Set the glaze aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes to develop color on the other side.
- Add the Apple and Glaze: Remove the rosemary and thyme from the glaze and pour the glaze mixture into the skillet around the chicken. Add the sliced Honeycrisp apple pieces to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the chicken in the glaze for about 15-20 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the chicken to coat it. The glaze should thicken and become syrupy, while the apples soften but still retain their shape.
- Finish and Serve: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken to a plate and spoon the thickened apple cider glaze and cooked apples over the top. Garnish with a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme if desired. Serve warm with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and texture; the skin crisps up beautifully and adds richness.
- Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples can also be used.
- If apple cider is unavailable, use fresh apple juice as a substitute but avoid using apple cider vinegar as it is too acidic.
- To make the dish more robust, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the glaze for extra depth.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, glazed chicken thighs, apple chicken recipe, fall chicken recipe, skillet chicken with apple glaze, sweet and savory chicken