Introduction

Apple Cider Chicken is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings cozy autumn flavors to your table with minimal effort.

The image shows a white plate filled with five thick pieces of roasted chicken with golden brown, crispy skin, glazed with a shiny sauce and sprinkled with black pepper and herbs. The chicken pieces are arranged in the front and middle of the plate, with some sliced to show the juicy white meat inside. Behind the chicken are several slices of roasted yellow and pink peaches with a soft, caramelized look. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are placed around and on top of the chicken and peaches, adding a vibrant touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then arrange 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 chopped thyme until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated in the mixture.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
Add sliced apples or onions to the baking dish for additional sweetness and texture.

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 to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with seven pieces of glazed roasted chicken, some whole and some sliced, showing tender light pinkish meat inside with a shiny dark brown, slightly charred crust on the outside. The chicken sits on golden-brown cooked apple slices and a pool of rich, glossy brown sauce, with a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary placed on top for garnish. The background is a soft white marbled texture. 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 require shorter cooking time to prevent drying out. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature and reduce baking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to use fresh thyme?

While fresh thyme adds the best flavor, dried thyme can be used as a substitute. Use about 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Apple Cider Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken thighs baked in a sweet and tangy glaze made from apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme. The combination provides a perfect balance of flavors, making it an easy and delicious dinner option perfect for any night of the week.

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

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 the chicken from sticking during baking.
Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper, then place 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 fresh chopped thyme until fully 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 sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), indicating it is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This step lets the juices redistribute. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the dish before serving for added flavor.

Notes

Using chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful during baking.
Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if needed, but use half the amount.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to avoid dryness; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious glaze.
You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Apple Cider Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, Sweet and Tangy Glaze, Easy Dinner Recipe, Fall Chicken Recipes