Cider glazed chicken thighs bring that cozy fall feel we all love. They feature a crispy, golden exterior and a sweet cider glaze, making them an ideal weeknight meal—easy to prepare and absolutely tasty. I've started adding the ingredients to my shopping list, as they're perfect for quick and satisfying dinners during hectic weeks.
I prepared this dish for a recent gathering, and it serves as a fantastic alternative to turkey if you want something different. Whether for a small Thanksgiving or a casual family dinner, this dish effortlessly creates a warm atmosphere.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
Choose Quality Chicken: Pick bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor. The bones enhance the taste, while the skin crisps up beautifully under the broiler.
Broiler Caution: I've had my share of mishaps with the broiler, so watch it closely. Remove the chicken when the skin turns that ideal golden brown.
Incorporate Fresh Sage: Fresh sage adds a lovely earthiness to the chicken and glaze, essential for capturing that fall essence. A sprinkle of sage leaves enhances the presentation too.
Prep Ahead for Ease
If you're serving these cider glazed chicken thighs at a gathering, consider these prep steps to simplify your cooking process when guests arrive.
Prepare the Glaze Early: Make the cider glaze a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before using.
Season in Advance: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper a few hours or even overnight before cooking to deepen the flavors. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook.
Assemble Before Serving: Prep, season, and glaze the chicken ahead, then pop it under the broiler just before serving for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Creating Cozy Vibes
I love serving this dish family-style directly from the skillet, accompanied by comforting sides like roasted root vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. If you're hosting a small Thanksgiving, this dish reduces stress compared to turkey while delivering all those delightful autumn flavors. Scroll down for the recipe, and if you try it out, don't forget to leave a rating and review!
Description
This main dish is incredibly easy to make for gatherings. Serve these cider-glazed chicken thighs right from the skillet for a delightful meal!
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup apple juice or cider
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 10 sprigs fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the heat source.
- Coat a large oven-proof skillet with olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Broil skin-side down for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cider glaze by combining apple juice, minced garlic, 2 sprigs of sage, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cooking uncovered until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Stir in butter until melted, then remove from heat.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken so the skin side is facing up. Broil for another 5 minutes, then take it out, baste with glaze, and scatter apples and sage around the chicken. Broil a few more minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve family-style right from the skillet.
