Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs have been a family favorite of mine for years. There’s just something so comforting and delicious about the perfect balance of savory and sweet in this dish. I can still remember the first time I tried Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs – it was during a cozy autumn gathering at my sister’s house, and the rich aroma of the cider glaze had my mouth watering the moment I walked through the door.
As my sister pulled the pan of perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken thighs from the oven, I knew this was going to be something special. The glistening cider glaze had caramelized to a beautiful sheen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. That first bite was an explosion of flavor – the juicy, tender chicken paired with the slightly tart, slightly sweet cider glaze was simply heavenly. It’s no wonder Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs have become a go-to recipe in our family ever since.
Why This Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
What sets this Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe apart is the unique technique of searing the thighs first to get that amazing crispy skin, then basting them with a sweet and tangy cider glaze in the oven. The key is using high-quality apple cider that’s been reduced down to concentrate the flavor, which creates a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken. The result is a dish that’s packed with intense autumnal flavor in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The dark meat stays juicy and tender, and the skin gets deliciously crispy.
- Apple cider: Look for a high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best flavor.
- Brown sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cider.
- Dijon mustard: Providing a savory, pungent note to the glaze.
- Garlic: Enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme complements the cider beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and bring out all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Instructions
Preparing Your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
This Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is actually quite simple to prepare, with just a handful of steps. The total cooking time is around 45 minutes, and all you’ll need is a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
1- Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2- Heat a bit of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden-brown.
3- Flip the thighs and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
4- While the chicken is searing, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh thyme in a small bowl.
5- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, basting the chicken with the cider glaze every 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
6- Once the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs are done, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will have thickened up beautifully, creating a shiny, flavorful coating on the chicken.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
- Use a high-quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid anything too sweet or syrupy.
- Sear the chicken thighs first to get that amazing crispy skin before baking. This adds so much texture and flavor.
- Baste the chicken frequently with the glaze to keep it moist and evenly coated.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook the chicken in a single layer for even browning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Storing Your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Perfect Pairings for Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
These Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. I love serving them with roasted fall vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and carrots. A simple green salad or mashed potatoes also make great accompaniments. And of course, a glass of hard cider or your favorite white wine is the perfect pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken back in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also shred the chicken and use it in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the cider glaze in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Then when you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and bake it with the pre-made glaze.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Creative Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Variations
While the classic version is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs. Try using different herbs like rosemary or sage, or add a hint of spice with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder. You could also experiment with using maple syrup or honey in the glaze for a different flavor profile.
Making Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free Dijon mustard. To make it low-carb, you can swap the brown sugar for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. And for a dairy-free adaptation, just omit the butter and use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs instead of skin-on?
A: Absolutely, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as rich and indulgent. The crispy skin is a big part of what makes this dish so delicious.
Q: How long should I bake the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs?
A: The chicken thighs should bake for 20-25 minutes in the oven, basting with the glaze every 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze has thickened up nicely.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make the cider glaze in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 week. Then when you’re ready to cook, just sear the chicken and bake it with the pre-made glaze.
Q: How many Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs should I plan per person?
A: I’d recommend 2-3 chicken thighs per serving, depending on the appetite of your guests. This recipe makes enough glaze to comfortably coat 6-8 chicken thighs.
Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4
Description
Savor the delightful balance of sweet and savory in these Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs. The tender chicken is coated in a rich, glossy glaze made with apple cider, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
– 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup apple cider
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper.
3. – Heat a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
4. – Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. – In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, garlic, brown sugar, and dried thyme.
6. – Pour the cider mixture over the chicken thighs and bring to a simmer.
7. – Transfer the skillet or Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
8. – Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cider glaze. You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts instead of thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Serve the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Once you try this Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and that sweet-tart cider glaze is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s such an easy, hands-off dish that’s perfect for cozy autumn dinners or holiday gatherings. So what are you waiting for? Grab some chicken thighs and apple cider and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear how your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs turn out.
