Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe

I absolutely love how this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe brings together a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by how the apple cider glaze and those tender caramelized onions add such depth to simple chicken thighs. It’s one of those meals that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds dance with every bite.

This recipe works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and special occasions because it’s straightforward yet feels fancy enough to impress guests. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving cozy comfort food, you’ll find that the Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe comes together in under an hour, making it a reliable go-to when you want something delicious without a fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe combine to create a perfect balance of savory and sweet. I always look for fresh apples and quality apple cider to really enhance the glaze s flavor.

• Bone-in chicken thighs: I prefer bone-in for juicier meat and better flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Basics to season the chicken well.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering the glaze.
• Paprika: Gives a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color.
• Vegetable oil: Perfect for searing to get that irresistible crispy skin.
• Sweet onion: For caramelizing and bringing natural sweetness.
• Apple cider: Make sure to use apple cider, not vinegar; it s key for that sweet tang.
• Light brown sugar: Adds richness and balances the cider s acidity.
• Soy sauce: Gives the glaze a nice umami punch.
• Worcestershire sauce: Enhances depth with a subtle tangy twist.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness to balance the sweetness.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic boosts flavor better than powder here.
• Apple, thinly sliced: Adds freshness and texture; I love using a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes. I’ve tried a few variations and love how flexible this Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe really is.

• Add fresh herbs: I sometimes toss in fresh thyme or rosemary during baking for an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• Swap chicken thighs for breasts: If you prefer white meat, just adjust the cooking time since breasts cook faster and can dry out easily.
• Make it spicier: Adding a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze gives a nice warming kick I adore.
• Use pear instead of apple: Pears work amazingly well here and give a slightly softer texture with similar sweetness.

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels-that’s a trick I learned to get that skin perfectly crispy. Then, toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, making sure every side is well-coated. It’s a quick seasoning step that really builds flavor and adds that lovely color.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Crispy Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down and let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip them over and brown the other side for a few minutes more, then transfer the chicken to a plate-you’ll want that flavor-packed sear to shine through in the final dish.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Make the Glaze

In the same pan with the flavorful drippings, add your diced sweet onions. Stir them occasionally until they soften and turn almost translucent – this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Then pour in the apple cider along with brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. It smells amazing-I can never resist sneaking a spoonful.

Step 4: Add Apples and Bake the Chicken

Gently nestle the sliced apples and seared chicken thighs back into the pan, then use a spoon to coat the chicken with the glaze from the bottom. Pop the whole pan into your preheated 375°F oven and bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature hits 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through. The apples will soften and soak up the delicious flavors while the chicken finishes cooking-such a satisfying moment.

Step 5: Serve with Extra Glaze and Enjoy

When the chicken is done, scoop some more of that gorgeous glaze over the top before serving. I like to plate it right in the pan for a rustic, inviting look. The combination of tender chicken, sweet apples, and caramelized onions with that rich glaze always gets rave reviews around my kitchen table.

How to Serve Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the top before serving-it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens this rich dish. Sometimes, a light drizzle of extra apple cider glaze on the plate makes it look restaurant-worthy and adds a touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted sweet potatoes. I also love serving it alongside green beans or a crisp garden salad to balance out the meal. For a cozy dinner, some warm crusty bread is great to soak up all that flavorful glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday or special occasion, I ve served this chicken over a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted pecans and dried cranberries-such a festive touch! Arranging the apples and onions artistically around the chicken in a cast iron skillet also adds a rustic, inviting look that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The chicken remains tender, and the flavors even deepen after a day. Just be sure to separate the apples if you want them less soft next time you reheat.

Freezing

I ve frozen this chicken successfully by wrapping each thigh tightly in foil then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawing, I let them defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the texture intact. The glaze holds up well, though the apples soften further after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a low oven at 325°F covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. A few minutes in the microwave work too if you’re short on time, but oven reheating keeps the skin and glaze more appetizing. I always add a splash of apple cider or a bit of broth to freshen up the sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe has become one of those dishes I reach for when I want something comforting but a little special. It s a real crowd-pleaser that s straightforward to make and wildly flavorful. I feel like sharing it with you is like inviting you into my kitchen-give it a go and enjoy all the heartwarming deliciousness in every bite!

Easy Apple Cider Chicken with Caramelized Onions and Sliced Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 86 reviews

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Easy Apple Cider Chicken recipe features tender bone-in chicken thighs seared to a golden crisp and baked in a flavorful glaze made with apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and sweet onions. The addition of thinly sliced apples adds a lovely sweetness and texture, making it a perfect comforting dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 sweet onion, small diced
• 1 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 apple, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken perfectly after searing.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, tossing until both sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
3. Heat the oil: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, heating until shimmering to prepare for searing.
4. Sear the chicken: Add chicken thighs skin side down to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes until crispy and golden brown, then flip and brown the other side. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Cook the onions: Add the diced onions to the skillet juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, which brings out their sweetness to complement the glaze.
6. Prepare the glaze: Add apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Combine ingredients: Return the sliced apples and seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in the glaze for a harmonious blend of flavors.
8. Bake the chicken: Spoon glaze over the chicken, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe and juicy chicken.
9. Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven and drizzle additional glaze from the pan over the chicken before serving to enhance the dish’s rich, tangy sweetness.

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Notes

• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and to achieve a perfect sear on the chicken.
• Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning to help produce crispy skin.
• Searing the chicken skin side down first is essential to develop a golden-brown, flavorful crust.
• Make sure to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, for the glaze to avoid sourness and retain natural sweetness.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 730mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 90mg