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’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that’s comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit special, I can’t recommend my Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe enough. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken thighs and a sticky, tangy-sweet apple cider glaze that’s downright irresistible. Trust me, once you try it, this will be the recipe you want to make again and again—especially as the crisp air starts to roll in.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unbelievably Juicy Chicken: Using boneless skinless thighs and baking them low and slow keeps the meat tender every time.
Sticky Apple Cider Glaze: The glaze hits that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory that’ll have you licking your fingers.
Simple Prep and Cleanup: Sheet pan method means easy assembly and easy clean-up—my favorite combo!

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 thigh recipes, easy fall dinner ideas, sticky apple cider glaze chicken, comforting chicken thigh dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe lies in the simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds a little something special, and I love that most of these are pantry staples you might already have on hand.

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 thigh recipes, easy fall dinner ideas, sticky apple cider glaze chicken, comforting chicken thigh dishes

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for keeping your chicken juicy without the hassle of bones; plus, they crisp up nicely.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to your glaze and marinade—don’t skip it!
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness that balances the sweet notes in the glaze.
Salt and black pepper: Basic, but essential for seasoning and highlighting all those flavors.
Paprika: Adds a warm, gentle earthy flavor and beautiful color to your chicken.
Salted butter: Makes your glaze rich and silky; I always swear by salted over unsalted here.
Cornstarch: This thickens your glaze perfectly without any clumps if you whisk it well.
Apple cider: The star ingredient for that sweet, fruity base in your glaze; try to grab a fresh, good-quality one.
Brown sugar: A little sweetness to give your glaze a caramelized finish.

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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

I love making this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe my own by tweaking it just a bit depending on what’s in season or what my family’s mood is. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little—you might discover your favorite spin!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the mustard mixture for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness perfectly; it’s a hit at my house!
Herb Twist: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary right before baking for a fragrant lift that pairs beautifully with apple flavors.
Sweet Swap: You can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a deeper, woodsy sweetness in the glaze.
Low Sodium: Reduce the salt by half and use low sodium butter to cater to heart-healthier diets without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, line a large sheet pan—13×18 inches works perfectly—with foil or parchment paper, and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. This little prep step means your cleanup will be a breeze, and it keeps the chicken from sticking. Next, lay out your boneless skinless chicken thighs on the pan, making sure they have a bit of space to cook evenly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Mustard Marinade and Coat the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Whisk it all together until smooth, then brush this flavorful mix generously all over the chicken thighs. Make sure every piece is well-coated—that’s where a lot of the flavor comes from!

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Pop the chicken into your preheated oven for 30 minutes. This slow, steady roast helps lock in the juices without drying out the thighs. I like to set a timer and resist the urge to peek too often, but of course, you can check once just to see the golden color starting to develop.

Step 4: Whip Up That Delicious Apple Cider Glaze

While your chicken is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Here’s the trick: sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and whisk continuously to absorb those white bits and prevent clumps—that’s how you get a silky smooth glaze. Then pour in 1 cup of apple cider, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely into that perfect glaze consistency.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Baking

When your timer goes off, pull your chicken out and brush that luscious apple cider glaze all over each piece. Return the pan to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the glaze caramelizes and gets wonderfully sticky. Use a meat thermometer to check—once the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C), you’re good to go!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Choose Thighs Wisely: I always go for boneless skinless thighs with consistent thickness for even cooking and juicy results every time.
Glaze Timing: Brush on the glaze right at the end to avoid burning the sugars; it locks in flavor and keeps it sticky.
Use a Thermometer: To avoid drying out your chicken—once you hit 175°F, it’s perfectly done and juicy.
Prevent Clumps in Glaze: Whisk the cornstarch into melted butter thoroughly before adding liquids, and whisk constantly to get a smooth sauce.

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 thigh recipes, easy fall dinner ideas, sticky apple cider glaze chicken, comforting chicken thigh dishes

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the finished chicken for a pop of color and subtle herbiness. Thinly sliced green onions also add a lovely fresh bite and mild crunch that contrast beautifully with the sticky glaze.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this dish are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted carrots to soak up all that glaze. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works perfectly to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these glazed thighs over a bed of wild rice pilaf for dinner parties—it looks elegant and helps soak up the sauce. For a casual twist, they’re great sliced over buttered noodles or tucked into soft rolls as sliders with a little extra glaze drizzled on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store them airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like using a shallow container so the glaze doesn’t get too thick and hard on the chicken.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked thighs sliced and glazed, and they freeze quite well. Just wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the glaze sticky and chicken tender, I reheat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or apple cider to revive the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook (usually add about 10-15 minutes), so keep an eye on the internal temperature. Just adjust your baking time accordingly to reach 175°F inside.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar in the recipe?

If you’re in a pinch, white wine vinegar or even lemon juice can work as substitutes, though the flavor won’t be as authentic. Apple cider vinegar adds a distinct fruity tang that pairs perfectly with the glaze’s sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs hold up well in the fridge and can be portioned out easily for lunches or dinners during the week. Just store the chicken and sides separately for the freshest taste.
How do I make the glaze thicker if it’s too runny?

Simply whisk in a little more cornstarch slurry—a mix of cornstarch and cold water—into your simmering glaze. Keep stirring over medium heat until it thickens to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe has become a go-to for those evenings when I want something cozy but impressive without too much fuss. The balance of flavors and that glossy, sweet glaze makes the chicken feel just a little special. I hope you give it a go soon—and when you do, don’t be surprised if it starts making regular appearances on your dinner menu. You’ll be so glad you did!