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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken perfectly after searing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Combine ingredients: Return the sliced apples and seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them in the glaze for a harmonious blend of flavors.
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.
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.

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.

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