Jump to Recipe·5 from 112 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s just a little bit special without being fussy, this Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the sweet and tangy apple cider glaze perfectly balances the savory, crispy chicken thighs, making every bite a little celebration. It’s one of those recipes where the kitchen smells amazing, and the result always delights everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe so worth trying is how straightforward it is—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—yet the flavors feel like you’ve put in a lot more effort than you really have. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual Sunday meal, you’ll find that this Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe becomes a go-to that even picky eaters in your family rave about. Trust me, once you try it, the combo of apple, garlic, and those perfectly seared chicken thighs will have you making it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with a seasonal twist.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The apple cider glaze gives a delightful sweet-and-savory combo you won’t want to miss.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Works beautifully for busy weeknights or weekend dinners where you want something special but stress-free.
  • Fantastic Leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated, making it great for meal prep.
Apple Cider Chicken, easy chicken dinner, flavorful chicken thighs, quick apple cider recipes, savory apple cider glaze A white plate with brown ridged edges holds a meal divided into three parts. On the left are two pieces of cooked chicken with a browned, slightly crispy skin, one piece opened to show white meat inside, topped with small sauteed onion bits and brown sauce. Around the chicken are several cooked apple slices with soft orange and red hues and a shiny sauce glaze. On the right side of the plate is a pile of bright green, shiny cooked green beans, neatly stacked. A silver fork with a wooden handle rests on the bottom left of the plate, partially under the chicken. The plate is placed on a white marbled textured surface, with green and red apples partly visible at the bottom edge. this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find the ingredients list straightforward, focusing on quality chicken thighs and that magic mix of apple cider and spices that deliver the best flavor. Plus, I’ll share little tips on picking the best produce and pantry staples so your dish turns out perfectly every time.

  • Bone-in chicken thighs: I prefer bone-in for juicier meat and better flavor—plus, the skin crisps up beautifully.
  • Salt and pepper: The basics that bring out all the flavors in the chicken.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These pack a punch and soak into the chicken for deeper flavor without the fuss of fresh chopping.
  • Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and a subtle smoky warmth.
  • Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that’s perfect for searing without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Sweet onion: Diced finely to sweeten the glaze as it cooks down.
  • Apple cider (not vinegar!): The star of our glaze — pick a fresh, unfiltered cider if you can for the best taste.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds just the right mellow sweetness to balance the tart cider.
  • Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a hint of saltiness.
  • Worcestershire sauce: A subtle savory boost that plays well with the cider and mustard.
  • Dijon mustard: For a touch of tang and complexity.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the glaze’s aroma and flavor beautifully.
  • Apple slices: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and reinforces the apple flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe quite a bit, and there are lots of ways you can tweak it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Don’t be shy about making it your own—it’s forgiving and always tasty.

  • Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes to the glaze when I’m craving a little heat—it wakes up the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for firm tofu or thick portobello mushrooms, and simmer them in the glaze just long enough to soak up those wonderful flavors.
  • Seasonal Veggies: Toss some roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots right in with the chicken for a one-pan meal that’s hearty and colorful.
  • Different Apples: Using tart Granny Smiths makes the dish more tangy, while sweeter Gala apples add a mellow note—try whichever you prefer!

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this is a little trick I learned to get that skin extra crispy. Toss the chicken in a big bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until each piece is nicely coated. It smells so good already, trust me!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken skin-side down and let it cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until that skin turns a beautiful golden brown. Flip and brown the other side for a few minutes more, then remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this step seals in juices and locks in flavor.

Step 3: Build Your Glaze

In the same pan, add your diced sweet onions to the flavorful drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Then stir in your apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring the mix to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until the glaze starts to thicken—it smells incredible at this point!

Step 4: Combine, Bake, and Finish

Now add your sliced apples and chicken back into the pan. Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken before transferring the whole skillet to your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once out of the oven, spoon more glaze over the chicken to amp up the flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

  • Dry Chicken Thoroughly: This simple step ensures the skin crisps up perfectly without steaming.
  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: It retains heat beautifully and helps develop that deep sear on the chicken.
  • Don’t Skip Searing: That golden brown crust adds such a great texture and flavor base for the glaze.
  • Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid under- or overcooking—it’s the key to juicy meat every time.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Apple Cider Chicken, easy chicken dinner, flavorful chicken thighs, quick apple cider recipes, savory apple cider glaze A white round plate with ridged edges holds a visually inviting dish consisting of two browned chicken thighs, one whole and one partially sliced, positioned near the left and bottom center; the chicken is seasoned and topped with glossy, thick golden sauce and red apple slices. Below and around the chicken are several soft cooked apple slices in a warm yellow-orange color. On the top right quarter of the plate, there is a neat pile of bright, fresh green beans with a smooth texture, contrasting with the warm colors. A wooden-handled fork with metal prongs is placed on the bottom left side of the plate with a piece of sliced chicken on it. The whole setup rests on a white marbled surface with a floral cloth napkin partially visible in the background.

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme—this adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Sometimes, a few extra thin apple slices as garnish give a lovely crunch and keep the apple theme going strong.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this chicken are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to soak up all that delicious glaze. Roasted green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts with a splash of lemon also add a bright and fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I love plating the chicken over a bed of wild rice with the apple slices artistically fanned out on top. Drizzle extra glaze from the pan around the plate for a restaurant-style finish that impresses every time. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on the side makes it look so inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they typically keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken remains juicy and the flavors even deepen overnight, making it an even better next-day meal for me.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe, I recommend cooling it completely before wrapping tightly or using freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months, which means you have a ready-to-go meal whenever you’re short on time.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. You can spoon some of the leftover glaze over before reheating to keep those flavors vibrant and juicy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

    Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so start checking earlier to avoid overcooking. The flavor might be slightly less rich, but it’s still delicious.

  2. What’s the difference between apple cider and apple cider vinegar?

    Apple cider is the sweet, fresh juice pressed from apples, while apple cider vinegar is fermented and much more acidic. For this recipe, you want apple cider for its natural sweetness and fruity flavor.

  3. Can I make this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can prepare the glaze and sear the chicken ahead of time, then assemble and bake when ready. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.

  4. What sides go best with Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe?

    Classic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad all complement the dish wonderfully by balancing the sweet and savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s both approachable and impressive. The blend of sweet apple cider glaze with crispy, tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual entertaining. I hope you’ll give it a try—it’s one of those meals that feels like a hug on a plate, and I’m excited for you to enjoy it as much as my family does!

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Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs glazed with a flavorful mixture of apple cider, brown sugar, and savory spices. Seared to crispy perfection and baked with sweet apples and onions, this dish perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors for a comforting and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 sweet onion, small diced
  • 1 1/3 cup apple cider
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the glazed chicken.
  2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated on all sides.
  3. Heat the oil: Place a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  4. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken thighs skin side down to the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook the other side until browned as well. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  5. Cook the onions: Add the diced onions to the pan with the remaining chicken juices. Stir and cook over medium heat until the onions soften and become almost translucent, releasing their sweetness.
  6. Prepare the glaze: Stir in the apple cider, light brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Combine ingredients: Return the sliced apples and seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the glaze.
  8. Bake the chicken: Spoon the glaze over the chicken pieces to coat them evenly. Place the pan uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Remove the pan from the oven and spoon more glaze from the bottom over the chicken for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this sweet and savory dish.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve crispy chicken skin.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken skin side down first to create a golden brown crust.
  • Make sure to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to avoid a sour taste.
  • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Avatar photo

Hey there, I’m Nora Blake, the foodie behind LittleSpoonBites.com! I’m here to make cooking YUMMY, EASY, and a whole lotta FUN! From cozy dinners to sweet treats, I’m all about simple recipes that taste like a warm hug. So grab a spoon, tie that apron, and let’s whip up something DELICIOUS together!

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