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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the glazed chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine ingredients: Return the sliced apples and seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the glaze.
- 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.
- 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.
