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 weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and super simple to pull off, I’ve got just the thing for you—my Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe. I absolutely love this because it strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with that sticky apple cider glaze that makes you want to lick your plate clean. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually pretty hands-off, so you get more time to relax or prep your sides. Keep reading—I promise you’ll want to make this again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy & Flavorful: The chicken thighs stay tender and juicy thanks to the baking method combined with the tangy, sweet apple cider glaze.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples, and the glaze comes together in minutes.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s an easy way to get everyone excited about dinner.
Minimal Cleanup: Using a sheet pan lined with foil makes cleanup a breeze after a flavorful meal.

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, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight dinners, juicy chicken thigh recipes, simple chicken glaze ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is in the combination of savory spices and a sweet-tart glaze. I always recommend using fresh apple cider if you can find it because it gives the glaze a bright, authentic flavor that really makes the dish pop.

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, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight dinners, juicy chicken thigh recipes, simple chicken glaze ideas

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for staying tender and soaking up the glaze better than breasts.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth; don’t skip it in both the seasoning and glaze.
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness and brightens the glaze.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and complexity.
Paprika: Gives a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
Salted butter: For richness and helps thicken the glaze.
Cornstarch: The secret to thickening your glaze perfectly without clumping.
Apple cider: The star of the glaze—opt for the freshest, unsweetened kind.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the glaze with a slight caramel note.

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

One of the best things about this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to make your own! I’ve tried a few twists over time, and I encourage you to get creative, too.

Spicy Kick: I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze when my family wants a little extra heat—it really wakes up the flavors!
Herb Twist: Fresh thyme or rosemary sprinkled over the chicken before baking adds a lovely aromatic note that pairs beautifully with apple cider.
Sweet Swap: If you want to reduce sugar, try using maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the glaze—adds a different but delicious depth.
Skin-On Variation: If you prefer crispy skin, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 13×18-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper—this helps with easy cleanup, so don’t skip it! Lightly grease it with nonstick spray. Now lay out your boneless skinless chicken thighs in a single layer. Whisk together the seasoning mix—dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika—and brush it all over each chicken thigh. This step infuses the chicken with flavor from the get-go and helps the glaze stick later on.

Step 2: Bake Until Juicy and Tender

Pop your tray into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. The high heat is perfect for keeping those juicy thighs tender while starting to brown them just right. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked at this point because they’ll finish cooking after the glaze step.

Step 3: Make That Irresistible Apple Cider Glaze

While the chicken bakes, melt your salted butter over medium-high heat in a small saucepan. Whisk in the cornstarch to absorb any white specks—that’s key for a silky smooth finish. Then add in the apple cider, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. I discovered this trick after some trial runs: patiently whisking without rushing gives you the best, lump-free glaze.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Baking

Take the chicken out and give each piece a generous brush with that luscious glaze. Return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C) and the glaze becomes thick and sticky. Watching it caramelize is so satisfying! Keep an eye on it during this final stage so it doesn’t burn—glazed dishes can turn quickly if left too long.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer: I always check the internal temp to avoid overcooking—175°F is perfect for thighs.
Fresh Apple Cider Counts: The best flavor comes from fresh, not overly processed cider, so shop around your farmers market or grocery store.
Don’t Skip the Cornstarch: It gives your glaze that glossy, thick finish that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Watch the Glaze Closely: It can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on the oven during those last few minutes.

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, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight dinners, juicy chicken thigh recipes, simple chicken glaze ideas

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I toss a few thin apple slices on the side as a nod to the glaze, and it looks beautiful too!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this chicken are creamy mashed potatoes—they soak up that glaze so well. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans add a nice crunch and freshness. You could also try a warm apple and fennel slaw to echo those cider flavors in a crisp, cool way.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like arranging the glazed thighs on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs and apple wedges around them—it’s so inviting and makes an awesome centerpiece. Sometimes I drizzle a bit extra glaze on the plate for guests to dip or spread on crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that keeping the chicken pieces separate from extra glaze until reheating helps maintain the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing this dish works well! I freeze the chicken without glaze, then thaw in the fridge the night before. I make the glaze fresh when reheating to get that same sticky, fresh finish that you want right at serving time.

Reheating

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, brushing on fresh glaze halfway through. This brings back the juicy tenderness and that delicious glaze shine without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe?

You absolutely can, but keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. If you opt for breasts, reduce the baking time and keep a close eye on the internal temperature, aiming for about 165°F (74°C).
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the glaze?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the glaze that nice stickiness and body. If you skip it, the glaze will be thinner and less clingy, so I recommend including it for the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh apple cider? Can I use apple juice instead?

Apple juice can work in a pinch but often lacks the depth and subtle tang of fresh cider. If you use apple juice, try to find one that’s unsweetened and add a little extra apple cider vinegar for brightness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is by using a meat thermometer—you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) for thighs, which are safely cooked yet still juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s like a little celebration every time I make it. The blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors hits all the right notes without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this dish delivers reliable, comforting deliciousness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to chicken recipe!