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.
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 (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
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
