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Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

4.6 from 643 reviews

Delicious and tender apple cider chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze made from apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme. This easy oven-baked recipe brings a perfect balance of flavors ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  3. Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh thyme until smooth and well combined to create the flavorful glaze.
  4. Coat Chicken: Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle the remaining sauce from the baking dish over the chicken before serving for added flavor.

Notes

  • For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • You can substitute fresh thyme with 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature to avoid undercooking.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, baked chicken thighs, honey mustard chicken, easy chicken dinner, fall recipes