Cider Glazed Chicken

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from a perfectly roasted chicken. This Cider Glazed Chicken delivers that warmth. It has an effortless touch of autumn sweetness. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender. They are infused with the subtle tang of apple cider. A rich, glossy glaze coats every succulent piece. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and refined. It’s perfect for gathering around the table.

I find myself returning to this easy chicken recipe often. It is perfect when I need a flavorful meal. The meal doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. It’s wonderful for a cozy weeknight dinner. It is also impressive enough to share with friends. The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to make any day feel a little brighter. This roasted chicken is truly a gem.

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this Cider Glazed Chicken is a go-to in my kitchen!

• Effortless Elegance: This apple cider chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare. It makes a busy schedule feel manageable.
• Flavorful Finish: The sweet and savory glaze is truly irresistible. It coats the chicken thighs beautifully.
• Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal any night. This Dijon chicken is a weeknight dream.
• Comforting Taste: It brings a delicious, homey feel to your dinner table. This sage chicken is pure comfort food.

Cider Glazed Chicken Ingredients

The magic of this Cider Glazed Chicken lies in its simple yet harmonious blend of ingredients, creating a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich flavor and tender texture we love. Exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for roasting, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat and wonderfully crispy skin.
• Apple Cider: The star ingredient! It provides natural sweetness and a delicate fruity note, forming the base of the delicious glaze.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden-brown sear on both the chicken and sautéed apples.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a subtle tang, helps emulsify the glaze, and adds depth with a slight peppery kick.
• Fresh Sage: This aromatic herb complements apple cider beautifully, adding a warm, earthy flavor.
• Apples: Sautéed until tender, they bring fruity sweetness and a lovely texture alongside the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Substitutions and Tips

For a different herb profile, try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of sage. If you don’t have apple cider, a good-quality apple juice works, though the flavor will be slightly less concentrated. For a thinner glaze, use a little less Dijon mustard; for a thicker one, simmer the pan sauce a minute longer. Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices, as their texture holds up well during cooking.

How to Make Cider Glazed Chicken

Let’s walk through making this delicious dish. It’s easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 1: Prepare for Roasting

Preheat your oven to a steady 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats, melt 1 ½ tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. This initial butter will help create a beautiful sear on the chicken. It’s the first key to great roasted chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken thighs generously. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. Place the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, into the hot skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 8 minutes. This allows the skin to become beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for delicious apple cider chicken.

Step 3: Begin the Roast

Carefully turn the chicken thighs over in the skillet. Pour ¾ cup of apple cider into the skillet around the chicken. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Let it roast for 20 minutes. The cider will start to create a lovely base for the Dijon chicken glaze.

Step 4: Sauté the Apples

While the chicken is in the oven, melt the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter. Do this in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced apples to this skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps them soften and caramelize slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Apples

Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of apple cider into the skillet with the apples. Turn the heat up to high. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes. This lets the cider reduce and lightly coat the apples. Season the sautéed apples to your liking with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Create the Glaze

Once the chicken has roasted for 20 minutes, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the chicken thighs to a clean plate. Set them aside for just a moment. Whisk the Dijon mustard and chopped fresh sage directly into the apple cider drippings. Use the same hot skillet for this. Season this pan sauce to taste with salt and pepper. This makes a wonderful sage chicken flavor.

Step 7: Serve Your Cider Glazed Chicken

Pour the warm, savory glaze from the skillet over the reserved chicken thighs. Serve the tender Cider Glazed Chicken immediately. Place the sweet, sautéed apples alongside your chicken. This makes for a wonderfully complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy this easy chicken recipe!

How to Store Cider Glazed Chicken

Leftover Cider Glazed Chicken stores well. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure the dish cools fully first. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave. This helps keep the chicken moist. Freezing is an option too. Just know the texture might change a bit after thawing. This makes it a great no-fuss meal prep option.

Tips for Success

Want your Cider Glazed Chicken to be absolutely perfect? Here are a few quick kitchen tips I swear by:

• Pat chicken skin dry before searing. This helps achieve maximum crispiness. Don’t skip this step!
• Use a good quality apple cider. This makes a noticeable difference in the glaze’s flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Give your chicken and apples space. This ensures they get a nice sear, not steam.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Always taste the glaze and apples at the end. Make sure they are seasoned just right for your palate.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly. This tiny break lets the juices redistribute. It leads to juicier, more tender results for your roasted chicken.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious simple chicken recipe:

• An oven-safe skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel works perfectly.
• A good pair of tongs. These help safely turn the chicken.
• A whisk. Essential for creating a smooth, silky glaze.
• A sharp knife for slicing apples.
• A sturdy cutting board.
• Alternatively, you can use a regular skillet. Then, a separate baking dish for roasting works too.

Serving Suggestions

This Cider Glazed Chicken is so versatile! Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes. A simple wild rice pilaf is also a great choice.
• A side of steamed green beans. Roasted Brussels sprouts also beautifully complement the dish.
• Offer a crisp apple cider. A dry white wine makes a lovely beverage pairing.
• Garnish with a few fresh sage leaves. This adds a lovely touch of color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this Cider Glazed Chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so reduce your roasting time accordingly. Honestly, searing them a bit longer initially helps develop a nice color.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

Firm apples that hold their shape well when cooked are truly ideal. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully. Even a slightly tart Granny Smith is great. They provide a nice contrast to the sweet glaze.

How do I make the glaze thicker if it’s too thin?

If your glaze seems too thin after whisking Dijon and sage, simply return the skillet to medium heat. Let it simmer for an extra 2-3 minutes. This allows some liquid to evaporate. It results in a thicker, more concentrated glaze for your Cider Glazed Chicken.

Can I prepare any parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can core and slice apples a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container with lemon juice to prevent browning. The chicken itself is best cooked fresh. However, having ingredients prepped makes cooking much quicker.

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