Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Chicken Thighs (skin on); 1 tsp Salt; ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper; ½ tsp Garlic Powder; ½ tsp Onion Powder; ½ tsp Smoked Paprika; 2 tbsp Avocado Oil; 1¼ cup Apple Cider (not apple cider vinegar); 1 tbsp Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; ⅓ cup Brown Sugar; 3 cloves Garlic (grated or minced); 1/3 cup Yellow Onion (finely diced); 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary; 1 sprig Fresh Thyme; 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tsp Fresh Ginger (grated); ¼ tsp Nutmeg; 1 Honeycrisp Apple (large, sliced)

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’ll impress without a fuss, you’re going to want to try this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want dinner that feels special but is totally doable on a weeknight. The sweet and tangy apple cider glaze gives the chicken this irresistible shine and depth of flavor that my whole family adores. Plus, it’s baked in one skillet, which means less cleanup—you’ll love that as much as the taste!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning simple prep and minimal cleanup.
Sweet and Savory Balance: The apple cider glaze brings a perfect mix of tangy and sweet that complements the chicken beautifully.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Searing the thighs first ensures crispy skin and succulent meat inside.
Comfort Food with a Twist: A unique fall-inspired dish that still feels familiar and comforting at the same time.

The image shows a black pan filled with four browned and cooked chicken thighs, each with a crispy, dark golden skin and sprinkled with small bits of green parsley. Around the chicken thighs, there are several thick slices of golden-brown cooked apple pieces that look soft and slightly caramelized. The chicken and apple slices sit in a thick, shiny brown sauce that looks rich and flavorful, with small bits of seasoning visible throughout. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, with part of a striped cloth visible near one side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe comes together with a handful of pantry staples and fresh aromatics. The star here is definitely the apple cider—it lends that fresh, fruity sweetness that makes the glaze shine. When picking your cider, look for one that’s pure apple without spices or vinegar to keep the flavor bright and true.

Apple Cider: Make sure it’s real apple cider, not vinegar—this is the key to your glaze’s flavor.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth that balances the sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Even just a little adds complexity and a mild tang.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that sticky, luscious glaze texture.
Garlic: Freshly grated or minced gives a punch of aroma and depth.
Yellow Onion: Finely diced to melt into the glaze without overpowering it.
Fresh Rosemary: A sprig for some fragrant herbal notes; fresh is best here.
Fresh Thyme: Like rosemary, thyme brings a subtle earthiness that complements apples.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zip that brightens the glaze.
Fresh Ginger: Grated for a hint of warmth and spice.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to provide subtle warmth hiding in the glaze.
Honeycrisp Apple: Perfect for sweetness and crispness; slicing it thin lets it soften just right while baking.
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on for crispiness and juiciness—boneless works too but will change cooking time.
Salt and Spices: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika round out the seasoning for the chicken.
Avocado Oil: Ideal for high-heat searing without smoking up your kitchen.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to suit your tastes or pantry. Sometimes I swap in boneless chicken breasts if I’m short on time, or add a splash of apple brandy for a boozy kick. Feel free to experiment with herbs or adjust the spice level to make it your own.

Variation: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cuts down on cooking time; just watch for drying out by basting generously with the glaze.
Variation: Adding a dash of apple brandy or bourbon to the glaze amps up its warmth and richness—great for entertaining guests.
Variation: Swap fresh rosemary and thyme with dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand; just reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the glaze.
Variation: For a dairy twist, drizzle a little sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese over the finished chicken for a savory contrast.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken

Start by mixing the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. I like to season both sides of the chicken thighs with this mixture because it creates a flavorful base that really shines when combined with the glaze. Don’t be shy with the seasoning here; it’s essential for balanced flavor.

Step 2: Searing for Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down. You want to sear them for about 4 minutes per side until they get that irresistible golden-brown char. Searing locks in the juices and will give you crispy skin that’ll make each bite special. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, it’s not cooked through yet.

Step 3: Building the Apple Cider Glaze

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent. This little step caramelizes the onions slightly and adds an aromatic base for the glaze. Then pour in the apple cider along with brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, garlic, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally—this helps the glaze thicken and concentrate its flavors.

Step 4: Adding Apples and Baking

Once your glaze is simmering nicely, add the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples to the skillet. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the glaze and chicken perfectly. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the apple slices and baste them with the glaze. Now, pop the whole skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze is bubbly and sticky.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After baking, take the skillet out of the oven and baste the chicken one more time with the glaze to lock in all that delicious flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes—that little pause lets the juices redistribute and keeps your chicken succulent. Before serving, I like to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor, then spoon extra glaze from the skillet over the chicken.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Use Skin-On Thighs: The skin crisps beautifully when seared, locking in moisture and flavor—don’t skip this step!
Control Your Heat: Medium-high heat for searing gives a great crust without burning; watch carefully and adjust as needed.
Let the Glaze Thicken: Simmering before baking ensures a rich, sticky sauce that clings to your chicken deliciously.
Rest Before Serving: A few minutes’ rest enhances juiciness and helps the glaze set perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

The image shows four pieces of browned chicken thighs with crispy, seasoned skin, placed closely together in a black cast iron pan. Underneath and around the chicken are several thin slices of apple with light yellow and red skin, soaked in a shallow layer of golden brown sauce mixed with herbs and small seeds. The chicken skin looks slightly charred in spots, giving a textured, crispy appearance. The sauce has a glossy finish with visible herbs like rosemary, adding an aromatic touch to the scene. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always go for fresh chopped parsley as my go-to garnish—it brightens up the plate and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the sweet glaze. Sometimes I add a few extra thyme leaves on top for a rustic touch. A light drizzle of extra glaze from the pan is a must to keep every bite succulent.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted root vegetables—both soak up that luscious glaze so well. I’ve also served it alongside a simple wild rice pilaf or a crisp green salad to lighten things up. Your favorite steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts are perfect, too!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to arrange the chicken over a bed of sautéed apples and onions on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs. It makes for a stunning centerpiece that’s both inviting and festive. Drizzle extra glaze tableside so everyone can serve themselves just the right amount of sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftover chicken and apples to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The glaze holds up well, and the flavors even intensify overnight, making for fantastic next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If I’m freezing, I like to cooldown the chicken first, then place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers with some glaze. For best taste and texture, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, spooning glaze over as it warms to keep things moist and flavorful. You can also reheat in the oven at 300°F covered loosely with foil for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid nuking in the microwave when possible, as that can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider in this recipe?

It’s best to stick with apple cider for this glaze because it provides natural sweetness and fruitiness. Apple cider vinegar is much more acidic and would drastically change the flavor, making it sharp and vinegary rather than sweet and balanced.
What’s the best cut of chicken to use for this recipe?

Chicken thighs with skin on are ideal because they stay juicy and develop crispy skin thanks to searing. If you’re short on time, boneless, skinless thighs or breasts can work—just adjust the cooking time and keep an eye out to avoid drying out.
Can I make this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze and season the chicken ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, sear the chicken and bake as usual. Leftovers also reheat really well, making this a great make-ahead meal.
What can I serve with Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a fresh green salad. Consider something that will soak up the glaze or balance the sweetness with crispness or creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe turns simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, my family asks for seconds, and I always find myself sneaking some of that sticky, flavorful glaze straight from the pan. It’s a recipe that’s approachable, comforting, and always impressive to serve. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a favorite in your kitchen too—you won’t regret it!