Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in preferred)
- 1 cup fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Drying the skin ensures it gets nice and crispy during the searing process.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it sticks during cooking.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the pan, skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and cook for another 2 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as both the braising liquid and the base for your thick glaze.
- Pour the apple cider mixture into the skillet around the chicken (try not to pour it directly over the crispy skin). Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and move the chicken to a plate. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Simmer the liquid for 5-8 minutes until it reduces by half and becomes a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the chicken before serving.