Perfect Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

I stumbled upon this apple cider glazed chicken on a busy Tuesday when I craved something cozy but only had thirty minutes to cook.

The sweet-tangy glaze paired with tender chicken creates pure comfort in every bite. Now I make it whenever I want that perfect autumn feeling at my dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

What makes this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken perfect for any occasion is how it transforms simple pantry ingredients into something that feels restaurant-special.

I love how the natural sweetness of the apple cider balances beautifully with the savory herbs, creating layers of flavor that make every bite interesting.

It comes together in under 35 minutes, making it my go-to choice when I want impressive results without spending all day in the kitchen.

When I serve this apple cider glazed chicken, I often pair it with my Lemon Pepper Chicken with Rice Pilaf for guests who want variety on their plates.

The citrus notes complement the apple flavors wonderfully, and having two chicken options means everyone finds something they love.

What Goes Into My Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or light olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 1/4 cups pure apple cider (not vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 fresh thyme sprig
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

I always use chicken thighs because they stay incredibly moist and flavorful. If you prefer chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

Make sure your apple cider is the real deal – those cloudy, unfiltered varieties work beautifully here.

How I Make This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

1. Prepare the seasoning mixture by combining oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry and season them generously with this mixture on both sides.
2. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan, leaving space between each piece.
3. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes without moving them – this creates that beautiful golden crust. Flip carefully and cook for another 7-9 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
5. Create the glaze by reducing heat to medium and adding minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then slowly pour in the apple cider, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Add the mustard and thyme sprig to the cider, whisking until the mustard dissolves completely. Let this mixture bubble and reduce for 10-12 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
7. Finish the glaze by removing the thyme sprig and whisking in the butter until it creates a glossy, smooth sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each piece. Cook for 2-3 minutes more to heat through and let the flavors meld together.

I share so many seasonal comfort food recipes on my Pinterest, from hearty soups to warming desserts that make your home feel like a hug.

You’ll find plenty of inspiration for creating memorable meals throughout the year at my Pinterest.

My personal tricks for the best Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

The secret to perfect apple cider glazed chicken lies in not rushing the glaze reduction, I always let it bubble away until it becomes syrupy and coats my spoon.

Don’t skip patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning; this step ensures that beautiful golden sear we’re after.

If your glaze seems too thin, continue cooking it for a few more minutes, and if it gets too thick, just whisk in a tablespoon of fresh apple cider to loosen it up.

Can I make this apple cider glazed chicken ahead of time?

You can prepare the seasoned chicken up to 4 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated.

I find the glaze is best made fresh, but you can reheat everything gently in the same skillet, adding a splash of apple cider if the sauce needs thinning.

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What’s the best way to store leftovers?

I store my leftover apple cider glazed chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

When reheating, I use a covered skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of apple cider to refresh the glaze and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute the apple cider?

Fresh apple juice works well, though you’ll get a slightly sweeter result.

I’ve also used unsweetened apple juice mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy depth. Avoid using apple cider vinegar straight, it’s far too acidic for this recipe.

How do I know when the glaze is ready?

Your glaze is perfectly reduced when it coats the back of a wooden spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger that holds for a few seconds.

This usually takes about 10-12 minutes of gentle bubbling.

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How I love to share this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

I love serving this apple cider glazed chicken during those transitional weeks between summer and fall when the evenings start getting cooler but the days are still warm.

It works beautifully for Sunday family dinners, casual dinner parties, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

The flavors feel sophisticated enough for guests but comforting enough for a Tuesday night dinner with the family.