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- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1 cup apple cider - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Olive oil for cooking - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish You need these main ingredients to create a rich flavor in your dish. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, while the apple cider brings a sweet touch. The vinegar adds a nice tang, balancing the flavors. Honey adds sweetness, and Dijon mustard adds a hint of spice. Fresh thyme gives it an earthy taste that enhances the dish. Use minced garlic to add depth. Olive oil helps brown the chicken and keep it moist. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color. This mix of ingredients makes Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs a delight. You’ll impress your family and friends with this simple yet flavorful meal. The glaze coats the chicken beautifully, creating a tasty experience with each bite. To start, grab a small saucepan. Here, combine the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix these well. Now, bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to keep it smooth. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will thicken the glaze slightly. When done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, take your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin. Now, season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. You want to make sure they are well coated for great flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden brown. Then, flip the chicken thighs over and sear the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Now, pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken thighs. Make sure each piece is well coated. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When it’s done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes. This will keep them juicy. Before serving, drizzle some of the extra glaze over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious meal! Simmering the glaze is key for flavor. You want to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and intensify. If you find it too sweet, add more apple cider vinegar. For a sweeter taste, add a little honey. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. For crispy skin, start with a hot skillet. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes. This gives a golden crust. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. After searing, flip the thighs and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then, coat with the glaze and finish in the oven. Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This is the safe internal temperature for poultry. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the chicken type. Instead of thighs, use chicken breasts. Breasts will cook faster, so check them often. You can still enjoy the sweet glaze with this swap. If you don’t have apple cider, try using apple juice. You can also use white wine or even a mix of both. Each option brings a unique taste. To boost the flavor, add herbs like sage or rosemary. These herbs add a nice touch to the glaze. You can mix them in when you prepare the sauce. Consider adding fruits or vegetables to the dish. Chopped apples or pears work well. You could also toss in some carrots for great color and taste. If you prefer slow cooking, it’s simple. Just place all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Cook on low for about six hours. The chicken will be tender and full of flavor. Grilling is another fun option for this recipe. Grill the chicken thighs on medium heat. Brush on the glaze during the last few minutes. This adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. To keep your apple cider glazed chicken thighs fresh, refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavors. Your dish will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. The glaze may thicken, but it will still taste great! For the best quality, reheat your chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This method helps retain the glaze's shine and flavor. If you use a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the chicken. This keeps it moist, but it may not be as crispy. Yes, you can freeze apple cider glazed chicken! Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best taste. You can enjoy this dish with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. - Quinoa or rice to soak up the glaze. - Fresh bread to enjoy with the meal. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. They add color and texture to your plate. Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Breasts, drumsticks, or wings work well too. Just adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts will cook faster than thighs. Drumsticks and wings may need a bit more time. Follow the same glaze and cooking method for all cuts. The sweet glaze pairs nicely with every piece. To check if your chicken is ready, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat. The ideal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The juices should run clear, not pink. - The meat should feel firm to touch. - The skin should be crispy and golden. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy and tasty. This blog post covered how to make apple cider glazed chicken thighs. You learned the key ingredients and steps for cooking them perfectly. We discussed tips for achieving the best glaze and cooking techniques. Also, we explored fun variations to suit your taste and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy this dish for dinner or serve it at a gathering. I know it will impress anyone who tries it. Happy cooking!

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs that will elevate your dinner game! This easy recipe features juicy chicken thighs coated in a delicious apple cider glaze, perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions! #AppleCiderGlazedChicken #EasyRecipes #DinnerIdeas #ComfortFood
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

1 cup apple cider (not fermented)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally.

    Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

      Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

          Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken thighs and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.

            Pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

              Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.

                Remove the skillet from the oven, and let the chicken thighs rest for 5 minutes.

                  Drizzle some additional glaze from the skillet over the chicken before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken thighs on a platter garnished with freshly chopped parsley, and drizzle any remaining apple cider glaze over the top for a glossy finish. Enjoy it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.