Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

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.

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

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

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 1x2x3x

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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