Cider Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper

• 1 tbsp butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

Instructions

1. Season & Sear:
   Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken skin-side down 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook 3 minutes more. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Glaze:
   Add butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
   Pour in apple cider, soy sauce, honey, Dijon, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.

3. Reduce:
   Let the mixture cook 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Return Chicken & Simmer:
   Add chicken back in, spoon glaze over the top, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Finish:
   Uncover and simmer 3–5 minutes more to thicken the glaze. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar if you want tang.

6. Serve:
   Spoon extra glaze over the chicken and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.