This cozy apple cider glazed chicken is a warm hug on your plate! Tender chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, making every bite delightful.
I love how the glaze gives the chicken a glossy finish. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing while it cooks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may need less cooking time. Consider marinating them for extra flavor!
Apple: A sweet apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji works great. If you need a substitution, pears or even dried fruits like cranberries can add sweetness and texture instead.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for searing, but you could use vegetable oil or melted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember, butter can burn more easily!
Apple Cider: Make sure to use actual apple cider, not vinegar—this is key. If you can’t find it, apple juice can work in a pinch but may be sweeter, so taste as you go.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme give wonderful flavor. If unavailable, dried herbs can be used, just use less since they are more concentrated.
How Do I Get Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that beautiful crispy skin on the chicken thighs is all about the searing technique. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Start with dry chicken skin; pat it with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Heat your skillet until it’s really hot before adding the oil.
- Place the chicken skin-side down without crowding the pan to allow for even browning.
- Sear without moving for about 6-8 minutes. This encourages a nice crisp.
- After flipping the chicken, don’t cook on high heat to avoid burning; medium-high is best.
Letting it rest after cooking also helps maintain the juiciness! Enjoy your delicious, crispy dinner!
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 apple, cored and cut into chunks (preferably a sweet variety)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white rice (optional, to cook in the pan with the chicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious apple cider glazed chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook, depending on the size of the chicken thighs. So, in about an hour, you’ll have a cozy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
First, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This keeps the skin crispy! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper—flavor is key!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottom pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip the thighs over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your dish!
4. Add Apples and Herbs:
Next, add the apple chunks and the fresh rosemary and thyme to the pan. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors beautifully.
5. Create the Glaze:
Pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine all the glaze ingredients, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
6. Add Rice (Optional):
If you’re using rice, sprinkle it evenly under the apple and onion mixture in the skillet.
7. Return the Chicken:
Carefully place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and nestle them into the glaze with the apples. Make sure they’re coated in that yummy sauce!
8. Simmer Away:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes. This helps the chicken cook through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and allows the rice to become tender if added.
9. Thicken the Glaze:
After 25-30 minutes, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken the glaze a bit. The aroma will be incredible!
10. Finishing Touches:
Remove the rosemary sprigs from the skillet. Spoon the apple cider glaze over the chicken and apples to make it extra delicious. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your lovely cozy meal! Serve the chicken warm, along with the tender apples and fluffy rice if you used it. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner!
Enjoy your warm and inviting apple cider glazed chicken with aromatic herbs and tender apples!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used! Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as they’ll cook faster—about 20-25 minutes should do it. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider on hand, apple juice can be a suitable substitute in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it will be sweeter than cider, so adjust the honey or maple syrup accordingly.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even Brussels sprouts. Just add them along with the apples and herbs for balanced cooking. They’ll absorb the lovely flavors of the glaze!