Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs were always my mom’s specialty. I can still remember the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the house every time she made them when I was growing up. The combination of the sweet, tangy glaze and the tender, juicy chicken thighs was simply irresistible. I’d hover around the kitchen, waiting impatiently for the moment I could dive into that delicious meal.
As an adult, Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs have become one of my go-to recipes. Not only do they bring back such fond memories, but they’re also just so darn easy and delicious. I love how the cider glaze caramelizes and creates this incredible flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the chicken. It’s the kind of dish that’s sure to impress your guests, but it’s also simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Why This Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
The secret to this Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is all in the glaze. The combination of apple cider, brown sugar, and a few key spices creates a sticky, sweet-tart coating that’s out of this world. The key is to let the glaze reduce down until it’s nice and thick, which helps it adhere beautifully to the chicken. And by using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you end up with the most juicy, flavorful meat that just falls off the bone.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Apple cider: Look for high-quality, unfiltered cider for the best taste.
- Brown sugar: This sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami note to balance the sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and helps emulsify the glaze.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the glaze depth of flavor.
- Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika adds warmth and complexity.
Step-by-Step Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Instructions
Preparing Your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
This Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe is so easy to make, with just a few simple steps. It takes about an hour from start to finish, and all you need is a large skillet or baking dish and a few basic kitchen tools. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them all over with salt and pepper.
2- In a large skillet or oven-safe baking dish, heat a couple tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
3- Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Then, pour in the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
4- Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting the chicken with the glaze a few times, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is thick and caramelized.
5- Remove the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat extra tender and flavorful.
6- Serve the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs immediately, spooning any extra glaze from the pan over the top. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs is all in the glaze. Be sure to let it reduce down until it’s nice and thick – this helps it adhere beautifully to the chicken. Also, don’t be afraid to baste the chicken a few times while it’s roasting to keep it moist and well-coated. And remember, the skin-on, bone-in thighs are essential for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Serving and Storing Your Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Perfect Pairings for Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
These Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with roasted sweet potatoes, a fresh green salad, or garlic-parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, they also go great with mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. And of course, a crisp hard cider is the perfect beverage to enjoy alongside this dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply store them in an airtight container. To reheat, you can either pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or warm them up in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can even prepare the glaze in advance and store it separately. Then, when you’re ready to cook, just toss the chicken and glaze together and bake as directed. This is a great way to get a head start on meal prep for busy weeknights.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
Creative Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Variations
There are so many ways to put your own spin on this Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe. Try using a combination of apple cider and apple juice for an even more intense apple flavor. You could also add a splash of bourbon or brandy to the glaze for a boozy twist. For a more savory version, swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or honey. And don’t be afraid to play around with the spices – smoked paprika, thyme, or rosemary would all be delicious additions.
Making Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, you can swap the brown sugar for a calorie-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit. And if you’re avoiding dairy, just leave out the butter and use olive oil or avocado oil instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of bone-in, skin-on?
A: While you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, I highly recommend sticking with the bone-in, skin-on variety. The bones add so much flavor and the skin helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
Q: How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs actually taste even better the next day. You can prepare the entire dish in advance, let it cool completely, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe for Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs serves 4-6 people, depending on appetite and whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. If you need to feed a crowd, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 4
Description
Tender and juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy cider glaze, making for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
– 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup apple cider
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
3. – In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, and Dijon mustard.
4. – Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the cider mixture over the top.
5. – Sprinkle the dried thyme over the chicken.
6. – Bake for 30-35 minutes, basting the chicken with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
7. – Serve the Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs immediately, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
– For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
– Adjust the cooking time as needed if using boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
– Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs are the ultimate comfort food dish – they’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring back memories of home. I hope this recipe becomes a new go-to in your household, just like it is in mine. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Bon appétit!
