This cozy apple cider glazed chicken is a warm hug on a plate! With juicy chicken coated in a sweet apple cider sauce, it’s perfect for fall dinners.
I love how the sweet and tangy glaze makes everything better. It’s so simple to make, and my family always asks for seconds. Who can blame them? 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are best for this recipe as they stay juicy and flavorful. You can substitute with boneless thighs or chicken breasts if that’s what you have, but be sure to adjust cooking time since they cook faster.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider gives a deliciously sweet and tart flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice is a decent substitute, but you might want to add a splash of lemon juice for tanginess.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and sweetness. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use maple syrup or honey, keeping in mind that they might alter the flavor slightly.
Shallots: Shallots provide a milder onion flavor. However, if you don’t have them, use white or yellow onions instead. Just be sure to slice them thinly to match the cooking time.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Chicken Skin?
Getting that golden brown, crispy skin is all about the searing process! Here’s how:
- **Pat Dry**: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning. This step prevents steaming and helps achieve nice crispiness.
- **Hot Oil**: Use medium-high heat to get the oil hot enough before adding the chicken. This creates a nice sear.
- **Don’t Rush**: Sear the skin side first without moving the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking until both sides are browned.
- **Resting**: Let the chicken rest before adding it back to the glaze. This keeps the juices inside for a tender bite.
Use these tips, and your chicken will have that delectable, caramelized skin everyone loves!
Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3–4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, sliced
- 1 cup pearl onions or small yellow onions, peeled
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- A few sprigs fresh thyme (about 3-4 sprigs)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a glossy finish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and about 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have this warm and cozy apple cider glazed chicken on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving crispy skin! Next, season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear them until the skin is golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, pearl onions, and chopped celery. Cook these for around 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. The leftovers in the skillet from the chicken will add great flavor!
4. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring often, until it becomes fragrant.
5. Create the Glaze:
Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle in the brown sugar. Stir everything well to combine, making sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Return the Chicken:
Put the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up. Gently nestle the fresh thyme sprigs among the chicken and vegetables.
7. Simmer:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature) and the onions to be tender.
8. Serve:
Once the chicken and vegetables are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving dish. Increase the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, about 5 minutes. If you like, stir in a tablespoon of butter to give it a glossy finish.
9. Finish and Enjoy!
Pour the delicious apple cider glaze over the chicken and veggies and garnish with extra fresh thyme if you want. Serve warm, ideally alongside steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe gives you beautifully caramelized chicken thighs in a warm, sweet-tart apple cider sauce, making it a cozy dish perfect for chilly evenings. Enjoy! 🍏🍗
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but be aware that cooking times may vary. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook faster, so aim for around 15-20 minutes of simmering until they’re fully cooked without drying out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Sugar?
If you’d like to reduce the sugar content, consider using just 1 tablespoon of brown sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also increase the acidity by adding more apple cider vinegar, which balances the sweetness.
What Should I Serve with This Dish?
This apple cider glazed chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.