Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Apple cider-glazed hen thighs are a type of meals that appear like you place in a ton of effort, however they’re secretly tremendous easy. The hen thighs are given a fast seasoning and roasted on a sheetpan, and the glaze? It’s thick, sticky, and full of taste. Assume tangy mustard, candy cider, a bit of little bit of brown sugar, and simply sufficient spice to maintain issues fascinating.

If you happen to love apple cider, strive making my slow cooker apple cider from scratch!

Why My Recipe

• A thick, sticky apple-cider glaze that may depart you desirous to lick your plate clear.
• Roasted on a sheet pan for simple cleanup and completely roasted hen.
• Tangy mustard, candy cider, and simply sufficient spice to maintain it fascinating.

The true star right here is that shiny, craveable glaze. It clings to the hen good and caramelizes within the oven so each chew is daring and juicy. We’re utilizing boneless, skinless thighs as a result of they keep tender and are principally unimaginable to mess up. That is the type of dinner that works simply as nicely for a busy weeknight because it does if you’ve received firm coming over. And it’ll have everybody licking their plates clear!

Ingredient Notes

• Boneless Skinless Rooster Thighs: Go for the usual pack from the meat part, that are about 3 kilos. No have to trim off each little bit of fats; it helps preserve them juicy. You need to use bone-in if that’s what you may have, however you’ll want so as to add further cooking time.
• Dijon Mustard: This provides a tangy punch that balances out the sweetness within the glaze. Don’t swap it for yellow mustard. Dijon makes a distinction.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: You’ll use this in each the marinade and the glaze. It provides simply the correct quantity of acidity.
• Paprika: Provides a bit of colour and a delicate heat.
• Salted Butter: This helps make the glaze shiny and wealthy. Unsalted butter works too.
• Cornstarch: That is what makes the glaze thick and sticky. You’ll combine it with the butter earlier than including liquid to assist stop clumps.
• Apple Cider: This isn’t the identical as apple cider vinegar! It’s often discovered within the refrigerated juice part in the course of the fall, however shelf-stable variations work simply as nicely. Attempt to keep away from apple juice. It’s sweeter and fewer complicated.
• Brown Sugar: Only one tablespoon provides the proper trace of sweetness. Both gentle or darkish brown sugar will work right here.

Alternate Cooking Technique

There’s multiple approach to make cider-glazed hen, and actually, they each work. You simply have to select the one that matches your day finest.

Sheet Pan (our favourite): Toss all the things on the pan, pop it within the oven, and let it do its factor. It’s hands-off, nice for multitasking, and cleanup is straightforward. The glaze thickens on the stovetop whereas the hen bakes, and you then brush it on on the finish so it will get sticky and caramelized.

Stovetop: Need it quick? Use a skillet. You’ll sear the hen first to get some good browning, then pour the glaze proper over and simmer till all the things’s coated and shiny. It’s fast, however you’ll have to babysit it a bit of greater than the oven model.

Substitutes and Variations

Whether or not you’re working with what you’ve received or simply wish to change issues up, this recipe is tremendous versatile. That is a type of recipes that performs good with a bit of creativity, so be at liberty to make it your individual with considered one of these adjustments:

Bone-In Thighs: Completely nice to make use of! Simply add 10 to fifteen minutes of prepare dinner time and ensure the interior temp hits 175°F. The bone provides taste, and the pores and skin will get further crispy in case you depart it on.

Maple Syrup or Honey: Out of brown sugar? No downside! Swap it for 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. The glaze will likely be a contact thinner, however nonetheless sticky and candy.

Apple Juice: If you happen to don’t have apple cider, you’ll be able to sub in apple juice. It’s a bit sweeter and lighter, so that you would possibly wish to add a bit of further vinegar (about 1/2 teaspoon) to stability it out.

Contemporary Herbs: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme to the glaze whereas it simmers if you would like extra of that heat, earthy taste. Simply pull it out earlier than brushing on the glaze.

Add Apple Slices: Toss a sliced apple onto the sheet pan over the last 10 to fifteen minutes of baking. They’ll take in the glaze and roast till tender. It’s fall in a chew.

Troubleshooting the Glaze

Glaze not turning out fairly proper? Don’t fear, it occurs. This glaze is tremendous forgiving as soon as you recognize what to search for, and it’s completely value getting proper. Right here’s repair it:

Too skinny? Maintain simmering. The longer it cooks, the extra it reduces and thickens up. If it nonetheless feels runny after a couple of minutes, whisk in a tiny further pinch of cornstarch (begin with 1/2 teaspoon combined with a tablespoon or two of water).

Too thick? This one’s straightforward. Simply add a bit of extra apple cider to skinny it out. Go sluggish right here; a bit of goes a good distance.

Glaze gained’t stick with the hen? Be certain the hen’s not too moist. If there’s an excessive amount of juice on the pan, give the thighs a fast pat with paper towels earlier than brushing on the glaze. Additionally, don’t skip the ultimate jiffy within the oven after glazing. It’s what helps the glaze cling and caramelize.

Continuously Requested Questions

Make-Forward Ideas

This recipe is already fairly weeknight-friendly, however if you wish to get forward, right here’s make it even simpler:

Prep the Rooster Early: You’ll be able to combine up the mustard-vinegar-spice combination and coat the hen as much as 24 hours prematurely. Simply cowl it and stash it within the fridge. While you’re able to prepare dinner, lay all the things out in your sheet pan and go straight to the oven.

Make the Glaze Forward: The glaze will be made a day or two prematurely and saved within the fridge. It’ll thicken because it chills, so simply heat it up gently on the range earlier than utilizing. If it feels too thick, add a bit of extra cider to skinny it out.

Full Meal Prep: Need to get the entire thing prepared forward of time? You’ll be able to prep the hen and glaze, retailer them individually, and simply mix and roast if you’re prepared. It’s nice for internet hosting or busy evenings if you need dinner to really feel a bit of extra particular with nearly zero effort.

Serving Ideas

This hen is full of daring, cozy taste, so that you’ll wish to pair it with sides that may maintain their very own, however nonetheless let the glaze shine. You’ll be able to combine and match relying in your temper (or what’s hanging out in your fridge). Listed here are a few of our favourite combos:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the proper match for that sticky glaze. The additional sauce from the pan? Spoon it proper on prime.

Roasted Veggies: Assume carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Toss them on a second sheet pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them whereas the hen’s within the oven.

Rice or Quinoa: These make nice bases in case you’re feeling like a grain bowl. Add some greens and possibly a crumble of goat cheese or feta in case you’re feeling fancy.

Fall Salad: A easy arugula or spinach salad with apples, pecans, and a lightweight French dressing.