Introduction

Apple Cider Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple meal that feels special.

The image shows a white plate filled with several pieces of sliced roasted chicken layered neatly in the center, each piece showing a shiny, dark golden-brown glaze with herbs scattered on top. Surrounding the chicken slices are chunky, roasted yellow potatoes coated in the same glaze, with some wedges peeking from beneath the chicken. Sprigs of fresh green rosemary are placed on top and around the chicken, adding a pop of color. The surface under the plate features a white marbled texture, with a soft cloth partially visible on the side. The dish looks juicy and rich, with the sauce pooling slightly at the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup apple cider
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme to make the glaze.
Step 4: Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish.

Tips & Variations

Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor, but increase baking time by 10-15 minutes and check for doneness carefully.
Swap fresh thyme for rosemary or sage for a different aromatic twist.
For a thicker sauce, transfer the glaze to a small saucepan and simmer until reduced before drizzling.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Apple Cider Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or apple cider to keep the chicken moist.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with several thick slices of grilled chicken breast, each piece showing a golden-brown, slightly charred skin with a shiny glaze on top. Underneath and between the chicken slices are tender, cooked apple wedges in a light brown sauce that pools slightly at the bottom of the plate. The chicken and apples sit on a base of creamy mashed potatoes, visible at the edge of the plate in soft, yellowish-white mounds. Sprigs of fresh green rosemary are placed on top and around the chicken for a touch of color and decoration. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may dry out more easily. Bake at the same temperature but reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Is apple cider the same as apple cider vinegar?

No, apple cider is a sweet, non-alcoholic juice from apples, while apple cider vinegar is fermented and acidic. This recipe calls for apple cider to provide sweetness and depth of flavor.

Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

Apple Cider Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked dish featuring juicy boneless chicken thighs coated in a tangy-sweet glaze made from apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme. This rustic meal combines the warmth of garlic and the subtle acidity of balsamic vinegar, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that come alive with oven-roasting. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it delivers tender chicken with a glossy, aromatic sauce.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

1 cup apple cider
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh thyme until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated with the mixture to infuse maximum flavor during baking.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then drizzle the remaining glaze from the baking dish over the chicken before serving to enhance the taste and presentation.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through for safety and best texture.
If apple cider is not available, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
The glaze can be thickened by simmering it on the stovetop before pouring over chicken if a thicker sauce is preferred.
Fresh thyme adds a bright herbaceous note, but dried thyme can be used in a pinch at half the amount.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, baked chicken thighs, honey mustard chicken, apple cider glaze, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken