Golden, crispy chicken thighs simmered in a savory apple cider glaze with tender apples, caramelized onions, and fresh thyme. This cozy fall dinner is made in one skillet and packed with sweet and savory flavors. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of green beans for the ultimate comfort meal!

Ingredients:

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•   6 Chicken Thighs (Bone in, Skin on)
•   1 tbsp Avocado Oil
•   Salt and Pepper
•   1 tbsp Garlic Powder
•   1 tbsp Onion Powder
•   1 tsp Smoked Paprika
•   1 Yellow Onion (Medium, Sliced)
•   2 Honeycrisp Apples (Sliced into wedges)
•   3 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
•   1 cup Apple Cider
•   1/2 cup Chicken Broth
•   1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
•   1 tbsp Maple Syrup
•   1 tbsp Butter (Unsalted)
•   4-5 Springs Fresh Time

Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Here’s my trick for crispy chicken skin: Gently lift the skin away from the meat without completely removing it. Rub the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat underneath the skin.

Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed underneath the skin for maximum flavor.

If any seasoning gets on the outside of the skin, gently wipe it away with a paper towel. You want the top of the skin clean and dry so the spices don’t burn while searing.

2. Sear the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Heat the avocado oil in a large, oven-safe cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for approximately 6–8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

Avoid moving the chicken while it sears. This helps develop that beautiful golden crust.

Flip the thighs and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Apples and Onions

In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the apple wedges and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing them to develop a little color.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Make the Apple Cider Glaze

Pour the apple cider and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Stir in the Dijon mustard and maple syrup.

Add the fresh thyme and allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Finish in the Oven

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, arranging the apples and onions around the chicken.

Keep the skin above the liquid to help maintain its crispiness.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F. For extra-tender thighs, you can cook them to 175–185°F.

6. Finish the Glaze

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven.

Transfer the chicken to a plate if the sauce needs additional thickening.

Place the skillet over medium heat and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2–4 minutes until slightly reduced.

Stir in the butter for a rich, glossy finish.

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon a little glaze over the meat, keeping most of the crispy skin uncovered.

Garnish with fresh thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these apple cider glazed chicken thighs over creamy mashed potatoes with garlic green beans on the side.

Don’t forget to spoon some of those tender apples, caramelized onions, and extra cider glaze over the mashed potatoes!

Whitney’s Tips

• Season underneath the skin. This gives the chicken plenty of flavor without burning the spices during searing.
• Keep the skin dry. Wipe away any seasoning sitting on top of the skin before placing the chicken in the skillet.
• Use real apple cider. It provides that signature fall flavor and natural sweetness.
• Don’t rush the sear. Allow the chicken skin to develop a deep golden crust before flipping.
• Let the sauce reduce. A few extra minutes of simmering creates a richer, more concentrated apple cider glaze.
• Use Honeycrisp apples. They hold their shape nicely and provide a delicious balance of sweetness and acidity.