This Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a warm hug on a plate! With sweet apple cider and a hint of spice, it’s perfect for fall dinners or when you want something comforting.
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just simmer the cider, glaze the chicken, and bake until golden! Trust me, your taste buds will do a happy dance! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this dish because they stay juicy and flavorful. You can substitute with boneless thighs, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.
Apple Cider: Using unfiltered apple cider enhances the flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice can work, but you’ll miss that rich cider taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try coconut sugar or maple syrup instead!
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that autumn vibe. If you’re out of nutmeg, you can skip it or use a pinch of allspice as a substitute.
Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimum flavor. If you don’t have fresh apples, dried apples can add sweetness but modify your cooking time.
How Do You Get Crispy Skin on Chicken Thighs?
Crispy skin makes all the difference! Start by drying your chicken with paper towels to remove moisture. Season with salt and pepper generously. When you sear them in hot oil, ensure the skin side is facing down and resist the urge to move them around—let them brown beautifully!
- Preheat your skillet before adding the chicken for that perfect sizzle.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until golden, flip, and reduce heat to medium for the other side to avoid burning.
- Finish cooking in the oven to ensure tenderness while keeping the skin crispy.
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered if possible)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish
- 1 cup cooked white rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to cook, including baking time. So, you’ll have a cozy, comforting meal ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot for the chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Generously season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. This will add great flavor to your dish.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear them until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
4. Cook the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This will give your glaze a lovely garlic flavor!
5. Make the Cider Glaze:
Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, followed by the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook down a bit.
6. Add the Apples:
Now, toss in the apple chunks and let the cider mixture simmer for about 5 minutes or until it reduces slightly and thickens up a bit.
7. Combine Chicken and Glaze:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the apple chunks and glaze. You want them to be nestled in that delicious mixture!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze becomes thick and sticky.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
10. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve the glazed chicken thighs over a nice bed of white rice, drizzling the apple cider glaze and spooning the apple chunks over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for that cozy feel!
Enjoy your delicious Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken—it’s a perfect fall-inspired meal with warm, comforting flavors that everyone will love!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs! Just note that they will cook faster, so check for doneness around the 15-20 minute mark to avoid drying them out.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice works as a substitute, but keep in mind it will be sweeter and less complex in flavor. For a closer match, try mixing apple juice with a bit of vinegar for the tartness.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake until heated through and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
