Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

Why Make This Recipe

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze is a delightful dish that offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The juicy chicken thighs roast to perfection, while the apple cider glaze adds a tasty, sticky finish. This recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your family and friends. It makes for a comforting dinner and is perfect for gatherings.

How to Make Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions

  1. Prepare the chicken by mixing Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and salt together to create a spice mixture. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture.
  2. Place the coated chicken on a sheet pan.
  3. Preheat the oven and roast the chicken until cooked through.
  4. While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan and mixing in apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
  5. Mix cornstarch with melted butter before adding it to prevent clumps.
  6. Brush the thickened glaze onto the chicken near the end of baking.
  7. Return the chicken to the oven for a few additional minutes to help the glaze cling and caramelize.

How to Serve Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

Serve the roasted chicken thighs hot, drizzled with extra apple cider glaze. Pair them with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy with friends and family for a warm and satisfying dinner.

How to Store Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture overnight.
  • Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken during the last few minutes of roasting to avoid burning the glaze.
  • You can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer; they may need a bit more cooking time.

Variation

You can add some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to make it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be cautious as they may dry out faster. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

What can I substitute for apple cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but the flavor may be slightly different.

Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, just bake the chicken and add the glaze before serving.

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

A delightful dish featuring juicy roasted chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory apple cider glaze, perfect for dinner gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter for the glaze
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken the glaze
  • 1 cup apple cider for the glaze
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar for added sweetness in the glaze

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and a pinch of salt together to create a spice mixture.
  2. Coat the chicken thighs with the spice mixture.
  3. Place the coated chicken on a sheet pan.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven and roast the chicken thighs until cooked through (about 30-35 minutes).
  2. While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a saucepan and mix in apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze.
  3. Mix cornstarch with melted butter before adding to the glaze to prevent clumps.
  4. Brush the thickened glaze onto the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
  5. Return the chicken to the oven for a few additional minutes to help the glaze cling and caramelize.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the spice mixture overnight. Be sure to monitor the chicken during the last few minutes to avoid burning the glaze. Bone-in chicken thighs can also be used but will require extra cooking time. chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for additional flavor.