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- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1 cup apple cider - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Sliced green onions for garnish When making apple cider glazed chicken thighs, the right ingredients matter. You need chicken thighs for their juicy flavor. I prefer skin-on, bone-in thighs. They stay moist during cooking. Apple cider shines in this recipe. It adds sweetness and depth. Honey boosts the sweetness and creates a nice glaze. For added zing, apple cider vinegar brings a tangy twist. Dijon mustard adds a touch of heat and depth. Garlic gives the dish a savory kick. Thyme is my go-to herb. It adds a fresh note to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely. Lastly, green onions are perfect for garnish. They add color and a mild onion flavor. With these ingredients, you’ll create a delicious meal everyone will love. Start by drying the chicken thighs. Pat them down with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. Be generous! Even coverage ensures great flavor. Now, let’s make the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper! Whisk it all together. Make sure the honey mixes well. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken thighs in skin-side down. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the thighs and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Next, pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken. Stir gently to coat the thighs well. Lower the heat to medium and let it simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 25-30 minutes. Check that the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste with the glaze halfway through to enhance the flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes. Turn up the heat and let the glaze bubble for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to thicken it. This adds a nice finish to your dish! To get crispy skin, start by drying the chicken. Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs dry. Moisture prevents crispiness. Next, heat the skillet well before adding the chicken. The hot oil helps sear the skin, making it golden brown. Sear skin-side down for 4-5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side for about 3 minutes. You can boost flavor with extra seasonings. Consider adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or onion powder. These spices add depth to the glaze. If you want a different sweetness, try maple syrup or brown sugar. These alternatives offer unique tastes and pair well with apple cider. For sides, roasted vegetables are perfect. Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes. They add color and nutrition. Another great option is creamy mashed potatoes. For presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle the glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with sliced green onions. This adds freshness and a pop of color. {{image_4}} You can cook apple cider glazed chicken thighs in different ways. - Oven-baking option: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After you sear the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the glaze over the chicken and cover it with foil. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to help the skin crisp up. - Grilling suggestions: Marinade the chicken thighs in the glaze for a few hours. Heat your grill to medium. Grill the thighs skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes, then flip. Brush with glaze as you cook until they reach 165°F (75°C). You can easily customize your dish with different ingredients. - Using different proteins: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or even pork chops. Adjust cooking times. Breasts cook faster, while pork may need more time on the stove. - Seasonal fruit alternatives: Try using pear cider or cranberry juice instead of apple cider. Both will give a unique flavor to your glaze. You can make simple changes for special diets. - Gluten-free modifications: Ensure that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free. Most brands are, but always check the label. - Low-sugar options: Reduce or skip the honey. You can use a sugar substitute or add more apple cider for sweetness without added sugar. These options let you enjoy this dish, no matter your taste or dietary needs! To store leftovers, place the chicken thighs in an airtight container. Make sure to cover them well to keep the glaze intact. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. These methods help keep the chicken moist. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying. Reheat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check that it reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. For freezing, first cool the chicken completely. Then, wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the texture nice. Avoid thawing in the microwave, as it can cook unevenly. In the fridge, Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for freshness before eating. Signs of spoilage include off smells, a slimy texture, or discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, throw the chicken away. Your health is important, so always play it safe! I recommend marinating the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in better. If you have more time, try marinating for up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits, the tastier it becomes. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, they may dry out faster than thighs. Chicken thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicy. If you choose breasts, reduce the cooking time. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked through. I love serving this dish with roasted vegetables. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are great choices. Creamy mashed potatoes also complement the glaze. For a fresh touch, add a simple salad. These sides balance the rich flavors of the chicken. This blog post covered all you need for making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, apple cider, and honey. You learned how to prepare the chicken, create a tasty glaze, and cook it to perfection. I shared tips for crispy skin and suggested storage methods. Remember, you can tweak the recipe with different cooking methods or ingredients. Now, it’s your turn to try this dish. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

Savor the delightful flavors of Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe! This dish combines tender chicken, sweet apple cider, and a hint of thyme for a perfect blend of taste. Ideal for a cozy dinner, it’s simple to prepare and sure to impress. Click through to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal and elevate your dinner routine with a delightful twist on chicken thighs!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in

1 cup apple cider

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.

    Make the Glaze: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the honey is dissolved.

      Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and sear the other side for about 3 minutes.

        Add the Glaze: Lower the heat to medium, and pour the prepared apple cider glaze over the seared chicken thighs. Stir gently to ensure the thighs are well-coated. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.

          Cook the Chicken Through: Cover the skillet with a lid, reducing the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For added flavor, baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through the cooking process.

            Glaze Reduction: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the glaze to bubble and thicken for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

              Serve: Carefully arrange the rested chicken thighs on a serving platter. Drizzle the thickened glaze generously over the chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for a touch of freshness and color.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate for a beautiful presentation. Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the meal. Enjoy!