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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.

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

  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

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/apple-cider-chicken-recipe/