Apple Cider Chicken: Amazing Fall Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a delightful fall-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs baked in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines the flavors of apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh thyme for a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes, making it an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Glaze
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh thyme until well combined to form a flavorful glaze.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the glaze has reduced slightly to a sticky consistency.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the baking dish before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme—use about 1 teaspoon dried if fresh is unavailable.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: apple cider chicken, fall recipe, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, sweet and tangy chicken
