Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe – 20-Minute Fall Favorite

Apple cider glazed chicken thighs are a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spiced flavors that make this dish a fall favorite. This recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich cider glaze, served alongside roasted sweet potatoes and apples. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal that will quickly become a family staple or the star of your next dinner party.

Why You’ll Love Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

Cider glazed chicken thighs are the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a delicious yet simple dinner. The dish is made with easily available ingredients, and it’s packed with flavor. The sweet cider glaze paired with the savory chicken thighs creates a mouthwatering combination. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe that makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at a fall gathering.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potato: Adds a naturally sweet, hearty texture to the dish.
• Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisps, or Golden Delicious apples work well for a fresh, fruity flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting the vegetables and searing the chicken to achieve a crispy skin.
• Rosemary: Provides a fragrant, earthy aroma and enhances the savory notes of the chicken.
• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are perfect for this recipe, offering juicy, flavorful meat.
• Apple Cider: The base for the glaze, lending a sweet and tart flavor.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the cider.
• Grainy Mustard: Offers a mild tanginess and texture to the glaze.
• Butter: Creates a rich, glossy finish for the cider glaze.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Used for seasoning.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Butternut Squash: Swap sweet potatoes with cubed butternut squash for a different twist on the flavor profile.
• Mustard Alternatives: If grainy mustard isn’t available, Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free version, try using plant-based protein such as tempeh or tofu, though they won’t yield the same rich texture as chicken thighs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine cubed sweet potatoes, sliced apples, and chopped rosemary. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, tossing everything to coat.
3. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat the remaining olive oil. Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, pour in the apple cider, honey, and mustard. Bring to a rapid simmer and cook until the mixture reduces slightly. Whisk in butter to thicken the glaze.
5. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up. Scatter the sweet potato mixture and rosemary sprigs around the chicken.
6. Turn off the heat and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sweet potatoes are tender. If the potatoes are not fully cooked, remove the chicken and let them finish cooking until tender.
7. Serve the chicken thighs and vegetables with the pan drippings for extra flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken thighs, monitor the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Enhance the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cider glazed chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the crispiness of the skin.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cider glazed chicken thighs are versatile and can be paired with various sides. Here are a few ideas to complement the dish:

• Side Dishes: Try pairing the chicken with Parmesan roasted green beans, air fryer Moroccan-spiced carrots, or mashed potato casserole for a comforting meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a bit of heat.
• Make-Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep. Assemble everything in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Seasonal Appeal

This recipe is perfect for autumn, as the warm spices and apple cider create a comforting, seasonal flavor. It’s a great way to celebrate fall ingredients like apples and sweet potatoes, making it ideal for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings. The savory-sweet balance of flavors makes it a universally appealing dish that everyone will love.

By following this simple recipe, you’ll create a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve. Enjoy the delightful flavors of cider glazed chicken thighs for a comforting meal that brings warmth to your table.

Conclusion

Cider glazed chicken thighs are the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors that make for an unforgettable fall dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this recipe brings together the warmth of apple cider and tender chicken thighs with simple ingredients that elevate your meal effortlessly. With its rich glaze, juicy chicken, and roasted vegetables, this dish will soon become your go-to comfort food for the cooler months.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Honey Glazed Chicken: This recipe features succulent chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey glaze, similar in flavor to the cider glaze in the original recipe. The rich sweetness of honey pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, making it a delicious alternative for anyone who loves tender, flavorful chicken dishes.
• Garlic Butter Chicken: A simple yet flavorful dish where chicken is seared and bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a comforting recipe with a robust garlic flavor that complements the richness of the chicken, making it a great addition for those who enjoy a buttery, savory dish with minimal ingredients.
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken: This creamy, flavorful chicken recipe is inspired by the famous Tuscan chicken dishes. Featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream, it’s a comforting dish with a rich texture and a taste that rivals the sweetness of cider glazed chicken thighs.

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