Apple Cider Chicken

ByMadison Rae
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
SPREAD LOVE

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Chicken is a delightful dish that blends sweet and savory flavors. The apple cider adds a rich, tangy taste that perfectly complements the chicken. This recipe is not only simple to make but also creates a comforting meal that’s great for family dinners or gatherings. It’s a perfect way to use seasonal apples and enjoy a taste of fall any time of the year.

How to Make Apple Cider Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped thyme.
  4. Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with the remaining sauce.

How to Serve Apple Cider Chicken

Serve Apple Cider Chicken hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.

How to Store Apple Cider Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave it in short bursts until hot.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Chicken

  • Make sure to properly season the chicken for better flavor.
  • You can let the chicken marinate in the apple cider mixture for a few hours for an even deeper taste.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.

Variation

For a different twist, you can add sliced apples or onions to the baking dish before cooking. They will caramelize and enhance the dish’s flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as they may cook faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Dijon mustard you use is gluten-free, this recipe will be gluten-free.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Just add the glaze ingredients and let it do the work for you.

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon

Apple Cider Chicken

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful dish that blends sweet and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chopped thyme.
  4. Pour the glaze over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Notes

For better flavor, properly season the chicken. Optionally, marinate in the apple cider mixture for a few hours for deeper taste. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking temperature.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken, apple cider, savory, easy dinner, gluten-free

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hi there—I’m Madison Rae, but everyone just calls me Maddy. I’m 38 years old, born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, and these days I run a small but lively kitchen tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My hands smell like garlic more often than not, and my happiest moments are when I’m elbow-deep in a pot of something simmering, rich, and a little unpredictable.

I didn’t grow up in a culinary family. My mom was a school librarian, and my dad fixed motorcycles. But there was always food around—big Sunday breakfasts, church potlucks, and neighbors dropping off casseroles “just because.” I learned early that food isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection, comfort, and sometimes, even courage. My first real foray into cooking came when I was twelve and decided to surprise my parents with shrimp and grits. The grits were lumpy, the shrimp rubbery, and I mistook cayenne for paprika, but they smiled and ate every bite. That night, something clicked—I could feed people, really feed them.

After college, I worked every job you can imagine—hostess, barista, pastry assistant, line cook—anything to stay close to the heat. I eventually studied at the Culinary Institute of America, but honestly, most of my learning happened shoulder-to-shoulder with folks who’d been cooking long before me, in diners, food trucks, and open-air barbecues. I’ve burnt things, over-salted plenty, and once accidentally lit a towel on fire during a catering gig (don’t ask). But each mistake made me better—and more humble.

These days, my cooking leans rustic with Southern roots, but I’m always pulling in new flavors. I’ve fallen in love with Korean gochujang, Moroccan preserved lemons, and the slow joy of making pasta by hand. I don’t believe in rules for the sake of rules—just respect for ingredients, patience, and a willingness to taste as you go.

I write my own recipes now, but more importantly, I try to make cooking feel doable. Whether you’ve got a pantry full of spices or just salt and pepper, there’s always something beautiful you can create. I want home cooks to know they don’t have to be perfect. Just curious. Just hungry. Just willing to try.

Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the culinary world. If you’re looking for hearty food, honest stories, and the occasional kitchen mishap, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking.

MORE RECIPES

Delicious Dumpling Ramen Bowl garnished with green onions and chili flakes

Dumpling Ramen Bowl

ByDeShawn Ellis
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEWhy Make This Recipe Dumpling Ramen Bowl is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the best of both worlds: delicious dumplings and flavorful ramen. It’s an easy dish to whip up any day of the week. Not only is it quick to make, but it also packs a healthy punch with ingredients like…

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta with herbs and cheese

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEwhy make this recipe Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or a delicious dinner party meal. With the combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and whole wheat pasta, this recipe is satisfying and healthy. Plus, it’s easy…

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Caramelized Onion Pasta

ByElsa
SPREAD LOVE

SPREAD LOVEThe sweet and savory allure of Caramelized Onion Pasta captivates the senses with its delightful aroma and rich flavor profile, inviting you to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort. This Caramelized Onion Pasta brings together the earthy notes of perfectly sautéed onions and the creamy goodness of Parmesan, creating an irresistible combination. It’s…