Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and a touch of elegance. When I first tried it, the combination of the crispy chicken skin with the sweet, tangy glaze made it an instant favorite in my kitchen. You’ll find that this dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners yet impresses just as well for weekend gatherings.

One of the things that makes this recipe worth trying is how effortlessly the flavors come together-the apple cider glaze adds a lovely sweetness that complements the savory spices on the chicken thighs. I used to struggle getting the chicken skin perfectly crispy, but this method makes it foolproof, and I m excited for you to experience how satisfying that crunch is with every bite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe works harmoniously to create a perfect flavor profile. Look for fresh chicken thighs and natural apple cider (not vinegar!) for the best result.

• Bone-in chicken thighs: These give the best juicy meat and crispy skin when cooked properly.
• Seasoning spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika): A simple mix that enhances the chicken without overpowering the glaze s sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Great for getting a beautiful sear on the chicken skin.
• Sweet onion: Adds a mild, sweet base to the glaze when sautéed.
• Apple cider: The heart of the glaze, provides fruity sweetness and acidity.
• Light brown sugar: Creates that rich, caramelized flavor in the glaze.
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce: They add depth and umami to balance the sweetness.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a little tang and complexity to the glaze.
• Minced garlic: Aromatic and flavorful, a must-have in the glaze.
• Apple (thinly sliced): Adds texture, freshness, and a pop of natural sweetness that ties the whole dish together.

Variations

I love making this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on the season or what s in my fridge. You can easily personalize this dish and still keep all its cozy essence.

• Use boneless chicken thighs: I ve swapped these for quick weeknight dinners when I m short on time-it s faster to cook but a touch less juicy.
• Spicy glaze version: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze adds a nice kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Vegetarian twist: Try roasting thick-cut apples and onions with tofu or seitan for a similar flavor profile.
• Seasonal sides: Swap the apples for pears in fall or citrus segments in winter for a fresh twist.

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels-this step is a game changer for crispy skin. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, and paprika until evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high in an oven-safe pan until shimmering, then place the chicken skin side down. Don t move it around; let it cook for about 5-6 minutes until that glorious golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side just long enough to get a bit of color, then transfer the chicken to a plate while you prepare the glaze.

Step 2: Cook Onions and Make the Glaze

Using the same pan with all those delicious browned bits, add the diced sweet onion and cook until soft and translucent. Then pour in apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring it all to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. That s when you stir in the thinly sliced apples, letting them soak in those rich flavors.

Step 3: Bake Chicken in the Glaze

Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up. Use a spoon to ladle some glaze over each piece-this helps keep the chicken moist and tasty. Place the pan in a 375°F oven uncovered and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a thermometer. This step finishes off the chicken perfectly while melding all those flavors together.

Step 4: Serve with Extra Glaze

Once out of the oven, spoon a little more glaze over the chicken to add that final glossy, sweet touch. It s best served immediately so you can enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy skin and tender meat with the sticky glaze and softened apples alongside.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I always like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that balances the sweet glaze nicely. Sometimes, I toss on some toasted pecans for a little crunch, which my family absolutely loves.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this recipe include buttery mashed potatoes (they soak up that glaze so well) and roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil and garlic. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is also a great fresh contrast that keeps things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of creamy polenta and arrange the apple slices artfully on top. Drizzling a little extra glaze around the plate creates a restaurant-level presentation that s actually easy to pull off.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing to keep the glaze from becoming watery. Reheating gently helps preserve that crispy skin as much as possible.

Freezing

If I want to freeze the chicken, I remove the apple slices first since they can get mushy when frozen. The chicken and glaze freeze well for up to 2 months-just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep that crispy skin on leftovers, I reheat in a hot oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, uncovered. Microwave works in a pinch but softens the skin, so I prefer the oven method whenever possible.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe has such a special place in my kitchen because it brings together simple ingredients into something truly delightful. I know once you try it, you ll love how the flavors and textures come together with minimal fuss. Give it a go-I promise it ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners, especially when you want that cozy, comforting meal with a hint of sweet sophistication.

Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Crispy Skirt and Sweet Glaze Recipe

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• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bone-in chicken thighs seared to a crispy golden brown and baked in a flavorful apple cider glaze with onions, garlic, and sweet apple slices. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal, the sweet and tangy glaze enhances the savory chicken, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
3. Heat the oil: Place a large oven-safe pan over medium to high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering and hot but not smoking.
4. Sear the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pan skin side down. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for a few minutes. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
5. Cook the onions: Add the diced sweet onions to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook until the onions become soft and nearly translucent, absorbing the browned bits and flavor left from the chicken.
6. Prepare the glaze: Pour in the apple cider, then add the light brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
7. Combine ingredients: Nestle the thinly sliced apple pieces and the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring the chicken sits in the glaze mixture.
8. Bake the chicken: Spoon some glaze over the chicken pieces, then transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
9. Serve and enjoy: Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon additional glaze from the pan over the chicken thighs for extra flavor before serving. Enjoy your delicious apple cider glazed chicken!

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Notes

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and an excellent sear on the chicken.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to achieve crispy skin.
• Don’t skip searing the chicken skin side down first to develop a golden brown crust and enhance flavor.
• Be sure to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to maintain a sweet and tangy glaze without sourness.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 90mg