Easy Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Looking for a cozy and delicious meal that’s perfect for this time of year? Say hello to Apple Cider Chicken!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Apple Cider Chicken

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 1081kcal

Author Dana DeVolk

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a large bowl add the chicken thighs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika and stir together until both sides of the chicken thighs are coated.
4 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
In a large oven-safe pan, add the vegetable oil and cook over medium to high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin side down.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Once they are golden brown and crispy ( 5-6 minutes), flip them to the other side and continue cooking again. Once browned on both sides, set them on a plate and set them aside.
Add the onions to the juices in the pan, stir, and cook until they are almost clear.
1/2 sweet onion
Add the apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic, stir until it comes to a boil, then turn the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
1 1/3 cup apple cider, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Add the sliced apples and chicken thighs back to the pan.
1 apple
Using a big spoon, scoop the glaze out of the bottom and pour it over the chicken. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Once it’s done cooking, spoon more glaze from the pan over the chicken and serve.

Use a cast iron skillet for even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to get crispy chicken skin.
Don’t skip searing the chicken skin side down first for a golden brown crust.
Make sure to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to avoid a sour taste.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.