Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½–2 lbs), bone-in skin-on or boneless; 1½ cups apple cider (not apple juice); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional); Optional add-ons: chopped fresh apples, cinnamon stick, or a dash of cayenne

Description

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken combines sweet apple cider, tender roasted chicken, and a glossy caramelized glaze for a comforting fall dinner. This simple yet elegant dish balances savory and sweet flavors using basic ingredients, making it perfect for weeknights or special gatherings. In this recipe you’ll find a personal story, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, cooking tips, and FAQs to help you create this seasonal favorite at home.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½–2 lbs), bone-in skin-on or boneless

1½ cups apple cider (not apple juice)

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1–2 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)

Optional add-ons: chopped fresh apples, cinnamon stick, or a dash of cayenne

Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken skin-side down for 4–5 minutes, flip and cook 4 more minutes, then transfer to a plate.

4. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat, add garlic, thyme, and Dijon mustard and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in apple cider and scrape up brown bits, stir in brown sugar, bring to a simmer and reduce by half (8–10 minutes).

6. Return chicken to the pan, spoon glaze over it, cover, and cook on medium-low until chicken reaches 165°F (12–15 minutes for thighs, 8–10 minutes for breasts).

7. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes.

8. Simmer the glaze if needed to thicken, then spoon over the chicken before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: main course
Method: pan sear and bake
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece

Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, fall dinner, glazed chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, chicken dinner ideas, family dinner, cozy dinner