This Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is the perfect dish for chilly days! Juicy chicken legs are beautifully glazed with a sweet apple cider sauce, making every bite tasty.
The best part? It fills the kitchen with a warm smell that feels like a hug. I love serving it with mashed potatoes so you can catch every drop of that yummy glaze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful! If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster. For a leaner option, chicken drumsticks work well too.
Apple Cider: Look for unsweetened apple cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find cider, use apple juice but reduce the sweetness of other ingredients slightly. I personally love using fresh cider when it’s apple season!
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds punch to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute, but I recommend using fresh for the best aroma and taste.
Apples: Gala or Honeycrisp work great, but feel free to use whichever apple you have on hand. Tart apples like Granny Smith will add a nice balance to the sweetness of the glaze.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary are fantastic here. If you have other fresh herbs like parsley or sage, feel free to mix them in. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Glazed Chicken?
Getting that delicious glaze is all about how you prepare the sauce and finish the chicken. After searing the chicken, it’s important to build flavor in the pan with the garlic and then the cider mixture. Here’s how:
- Start by scraping the brown bits in the pan; they’re packed with flavor!
- Let the glaze simmer briefly; this thickens it just enough to cling to the chicken.
- Basting the chicken with the glaze right before serving helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Don’t rush this step, as the slow cooking really enhances the flavor profile of your dish!
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
For the Glaze:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 apple (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), cored and cut into chunks
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook in the oven. Altogether, you’ll spend about 40 minutes to enjoy this cozy, delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help flavor the chicken throughout!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully!), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes, until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Glaze:
Turn the heat down to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. When the butter is melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Now, pour in the apple cider and the apple cider vinegar while scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Those bits are packed with flavor!
4. Stir in Sweetness and Spice:
Next, mix in the Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), thyme, and rosemary. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add Apples:
Now it’s time for the apples! Add the chunks of apple to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the delicious glaze. They’ll cook beautifully alongside the chicken!
6. Return Chicken and Bake:
Carefully place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, nestled among the apples and herbs. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the apples to be nice and tender.
7. Finish and Serve:
When done, take the skillet out of the oven and baste the chicken with the glaze from the pan for extra flavor. Sprinkle some fresh rosemary sprigs on top for a lovely finish. Serve hot with fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up all that amazing apple cider glaze!
Enjoy your cozy, flavorful apple cider glazed chicken!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide juicy flavor, you can substitute with chicken breasts or drumsticks. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster and could dry out, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No problem! If you can’t find apple cider, you can use unsweetened apple juice instead. Just reduce the sweetness of other ingredients slightly to maintain balance. You can also add a splash of vinegar to mimic that tangy cider flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze a day in advance. Store chicken and glaze separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to cook, reheat the glaze on the stovetop and continue with the recipe from the baking step.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet on low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of apple cider or broth to refresh the glaze if needed.
