Apple Cider Chicken: Amazing Fall Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes Recipe
This Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a perfect fall-inspired dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs baked in a flavorful glaze made from apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet delicious meal that combines sweet and savory flavors ideal for cozy autumn dinners.
- 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
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
- Season Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped fresh thyme until well combined to create a flavorful glaze.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is evenly coated to infuse flavor throughout the baking process.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted in a pinch (use 1/3 tsp dried thyme).
- If apple cider is not available, apple juice can be used as an alternative for a milder sweetness.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
- For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the glaze in a small saucepan before pouring over the cooked chicken.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Keywords: apple cider chicken, fall recipe, baked chicken thighs, apple cider glaze, easy chicken dinner, autumn meals
