These Apple Cider Chicken Thighs are braised in a flavorful mixture of apple cider and garlic for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are perfectly cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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An easy chicken dinner is a personal favorite. They are always a hit and quick to prepare. A few of my favorites are chicken marsala fettuccini, spinach ricotta stuffed chicken, sour cream chicken enchiladas, and chicken fajita pasta
Why you'll love this recipe
- Chicken thighs are moist, tender, and budget-friendly.
- Glazed Apple Cider Chicken Thighs are bursting with delicious apple flavor and juicy tender chicken.
- It can be on the table in about 40 minutes so it's perfect for weeknights.
Ingredient List
See the recipe card below for exact measurements and details.
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- skin on, bone-in chicken thighs
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- salt
- black pepper
- canola oil
- yellow onion
- apple cider
- light brown sugar
- soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- fresh garlic
- large apple -Any favorite cooking apple such as Cortland, or Golden Delicious is perfect.
- fresh chopped parsley, optional garnish
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Tongs
- Instant Read Thermometer
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Make sure that the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a large oven-safe pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Sear the chicken on both sides. Then add the cider glaze, and remaining seasonings to the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the chicken thighs and apples to the pot, and then bake uncovered in a 375-degree for 15 minutes.
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Make sure to label and date the container for easy identification.
Reheating - To reheat, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- I like to use a Dutch oven for this recipe, however, if you don't have one, a heavy oven-safe pan such as a cast iron skillet.
- Be sure that the oil and pot are nice and hot so you get an even sear on both sides of the chicken.
- Be sure to use apple cider, either homemade or store-bought. Do not use apple cider vinegar for this recipe.
- When adding the apple cider, scrape the bottom of the pot well with a wooden spoon to get all the stuck-on bits off for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should the internal temperature of chicken thighs be?
What kind of apple should I use?
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Spice: Add a touch of heat to the apple cider sauce and add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetables: You can also saute some vegetables such as bell peppers, or celery if you want to sneak some vegetables in.
Similar recipes
Are you looking for more chicken recipes to help you get the most out of your budget? These are some of my favorite recipes.
Check out all our chicken recipes here.
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Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
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Apple Cider Chicken Thighs
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add 4 (5) ounce skin on, bone in chicken thighs1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper Stir to coat the chicken thighs on all sides with the seasonings.
- In a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, add 2 Tablespoons canola oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin side down to the skillet. Let each side get golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Once browned on both sides set on a plate and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 375°/190°C.
- To make the apple cider glaze; add to the skillet, over medium heat, if needed add the remaining 1 Tablespoon canola oil, add 1 small diced yellow onion, saute, and occasionally stir to soften the onions, about 2 -3 minutes.
- Add to the skillet 1⅓ cup apple cider, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon soy sauce, 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 Tablespoon minced garlic. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to a low heat and let simmer for around 5 minutes.
- Add 1 large sliced red apple and browned chicken thighs back to the pan. Spoon the glaze out from the bottom and pour over the top of the chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the oven-safe pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. The chicken will be cooked through. Taste for seasoning, if needed, adjust seasoning.
- To serve, spoon the glaze over the chicken. serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs such as fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken, optional garnish.
Abs
This was pretty easy to make but took waaayyy longer than 15 minutes in the oven at 375 to reach anywhere near 165 for the chicken. Maybe my thermometer is broken lol - but much much longer. It also kinda tastes like orange/sesame chicken you would get at a Chinese restaurant. Which is very tasty! But I had hoped for more of any actual apple flavor to this.
Eileen Murphy Kelly
Hi Abs, ovens are tricky. I use an oven thermometer because I have had my oven calibrated and it is still off 25 degrees. It also depends on the size of the chicken thighs. The timing has worked well for me with an oven thermometer. I am not sure about orange sesame chicken flavor since there is no orange or sesame. It is a bit baffling to get orange sesame flavors with apple cider. We have tested this recipe so often and we get a true apple cider flavor. My question is - did you follow the exact recipe and use the exact measurements?