Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 cup apple cider; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

If you’ve been hunting for a tasty, comforting dinner that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, you’ve got to try this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe. I absolutely love how the sticky, tangy glaze makes the chicken irresistibly juicy and full of flavor. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be asking for it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: You can have this mouthwatering dish ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy Chicken Every Time: The boneless thighs stay tender and juicy thanks to the glaze and baking method.
Flavor Explosion: The apple cider glaze strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Family Favorite: My loved ones go absolutely crazy for these chicken thighs, and I bet yours will too!

The image shows two large cooked chicken parts on a round white plate. The chicken skin is golden brown with darker roasted spots and a shiny, slightly oily texture. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and in the background, part of a grey cloth and some silver forks are slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is reaching towards the food from the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, flavorful chicken dinner, easy apple cider chicken recipe, juicy baked chicken thighs, quick weeknight chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that signature apple cider glaze that clings just right. I always grab fresh apple cider and use boneless skinless thighs for juicy results every time.

Flat lay of fresh raw boneless skinless chicken thighs neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth dijon mustard, a small white bowl of golden apple cider vinegar, coarse pink Himalayan salt crystals in a white dish, whole black peppercorns scattered in a white bowl, bright red paprika powder in a white bowl, a few pats of salted butter on a white plate, fine white cornstarch in a small white bowl, a white ceramic bowl filled with amber apple cider, light brown soft packed brown sugar in a small white bowl, all ingredients naturally fresh and unprocessed, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, flavorful chicken dinner, easy apple cider chicken recipe, juicy baked chicken thighs, quick weeknight chicken

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts here for that tender, juicy texture without drying out.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang that brightens the glaze and chicken seasoning.
Apple cider vinegar: The vinegar’s acidity balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skimp on it.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked works best for a little kick.
Paprika: Lends a subtle smoky warmth that complements the apple notes.
Salted butter: This makes the glaze rich and velvety—don’t substitute with unsalted.
Cornstarch: The secret to that perfect, glossy glaze consistency.
Apple cider: Go for pure, fresh apple cider for the most authentic flavor.
Brown sugar: Gives a natural caramel sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken.

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

Feel free to tweak this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe to fit what you love or what’s in season. I like to play with the glaze or switch up the spices depending on my mood.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the glaze—I tried this for a game day snack and it kicked things up just right.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary with the chicken for an earthy, fragrant twist.
Honey Swap: Substitute brown sugar with honey if you prefer a floral sweetness; it changes the glaze texture but is just as delicious.
Skin-on Thighs: Use skin-on chicken if you want extra crispy edges—just extend baking time by 5-7 minutes and watch carefully.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Just Right

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lining a large sheet pan with foil or parchment is an absolute game changer for cleanup—I honestly hate scrubbing baked-on glaze! Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray. Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels; this helps the mustard-vinegar seasoning stick better and promotes nicer browning.

Step 2: Season with the Magic Mustard Mix

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Brush this mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is nicely coated. This combo locks in flavor and sets the stage for that luscious glaze.

Step 3: Bake and Let the Oven Do Its Magic

Place the chicken on your prepared baking sheet and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes without disturbing—that’s when the thighs cook through and the surface starts to caramelize. Resist the urge to peek too much; consistent heat means perfectly tender, juicy thighs!

Step 4: Whip Up That Irresistible Apple Cider Glaze

While the chicken bakes, melt 2 tablespoons salted butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Here’s where the fun begins: whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch quickly to absorb any clumps. Then pour in 1 cup apple cider, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Stir continually for about 2 minutes until your sauce thickens up into a sticky, velvety glaze. I warn you: this part smells amazing!

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

Once the initial baking time is up, pull the chicken out and brush the glaze generously on each piece. Don’t be shy here—this is the flavor bomb! Return it to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. I always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temp hits 175°F (80°C) to make sure it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Dry Your Chicken Thoroughly: Removing moisture before seasoning helps create a better sear and more adhesive glaze.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned this saves me from overcooking and ensures tender results every time.
Don’t Rush the Glaze: Let it thicken fully on the stove—it’s what gives that perfect sticky coating.
Avoid Overbaking: Finish once the glaze is set and chicken reaches the right temp to keep it juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Four golden brown cooked pieces of chicken with a slightly glossy sauce coating on top are arranged close together on a round white plate with subtle lines. The sauce looks smooth and creamy, dripping a little on the sides of the chicken. A glass with a light brown liquid is visible near the top right corner of the image. A grey textured cloth is placed in the upper left corner, and a small bunch of green leafy herbs appears at the bottom right edge on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs, flavorful chicken dinner, easy apple cider chicken recipe, juicy baked chicken thighs, quick weeknight chicken

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top just before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal note that lifts the dish. Sometimes I throw on some toasted pecans or sliced green onions to add texture and a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides include creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up every bit of that glorious glaze. Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet carrots pair beautifully and balance the meal perfectly with some earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken thighs over a bed of wilted spinach or kale and drizzle any extra glaze around the plate. A sprinkle of pomegranate seeds adds a festive touch and a burst of freshness that impresses every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs keep well refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I like to separate the chicken from the glaze and reheat them together later for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these chicken thighs after baking and glazing—but I recommend freezing them without the glaze and adding it fresh when reheating. This keeps the texture from getting gummy. Wrapped tightly in foil and sealed in a freezer bag, they stay good up to 2 months.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning fresh glaze on top and covering with a lid to warm through evenly without drying out. This method keeps the chicken tender and that sticky glaze just right.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out. I recommend reducing the initial baking time to about 20 minutes and carefully monitoring the internal temperature to 165°F (74°C) to keep them juicy.
What if I can’t find fresh apple cider?

If fresh apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice as a substitute. Just avoid filtered apple juice, as it tends to be too sweet and lacks the depth. You might want to cut back on the brown sugar slightly if using apple juice.
How do I get the glaze thick and sticky?

The secret is whisking in cornstarch to the melted butter before adding apple cider and other glaze ingredients. Keep whisking over medium heat until it thickens, which takes about 2 minutes. This helps the glaze cling nicely to the chicken without being runny.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use a gluten-free cornstarch and confirm that your Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar are gluten-free brands. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to pull out when I want something comforting but still a bit special. The glaze’s balance of tangy apple cider and sweet brown sugar paired with juicy chicken is just pure magic. Give it a try—I genuinely think you’ll love how effortlessly delicious and impressive it turns out. Your dinner table is about to get a seriously tasty upgrade, friend!