Apple Cider Chicken Thighs

A plate with mashed potatoes topped with chicken thighs and apples in an apple cider sauce.

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs are golden brown, tender, juicy, and crispy. The chicken is roasted with the most delicious garlic apple cider glaze that has a hint of sweetness that is balanced with spices and umami flavors. A great crowd pleasing recipe or easy weeknight meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword apple cider chicken thighs, roasted cider glazed chicken thighs

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings servings

Calories 344kcal

Author Eileen Murphy Kelly

Equipment

Ingredients

4 (5) ounce skin on, bone in chicken thighs approximate size of the thighs is 5 ounces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 small diced yellow onion
1⅓ cup apple cider note 1
⅓ cup light brown sugar
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoon minced garlic
1 large sliced red apple any favorite apple is fine
fresh chopped parsley or thyme optional garnish

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.

Notes

Be sure to check Variations, Expert Tips, and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.

Note 1: Be sure to use apple cider not apple cider vinegar. I use my homemade apple cider recipe, however, store-bought can be used.

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, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

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Nutrition