Apple Cider-Glazed Hen Thighs

Apple cider-glazed hen thighs are a kind of meals that appear to be you set 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 filled with taste. Assume tangy mustard, candy cider, slightly little bit of brown sugar, and simply sufficient spice to maintain issues attention-grabbing.

Should you love apple cider, strive making my slow cooker apple cider from scratch!

The actual 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 not possible to mess up. That is the type of dinner that works simply as effectively for a busy weeknight because it does while you’ve acquired firm coming over. And it’ll have everybody licking their plates clear!

Ingredient Notes

• Boneless Skinless Hen Thighs: Go for the usual pack from the meat part, that are about 3 kilos. No must trim off each little bit of fats; it helps preserve them juicy. You need to use bone-in if that’s what you have got, however you’ll want so as to add additional 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 amount of acidity.
• Paprika: Provides slightly colour and a refined 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 normally discovered within the refrigerated juice part through the fall, however shelf-stable variations work simply as effectively. Attempt to keep away from apple juice. It’s sweeter and fewer advanced.
• 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 strategy to make cider-glazed hen, and actually, they each work. You simply have to choose the one that matches your day finest.

Sheet Pan (our favourite): Toss every little thing on the pan, pop it within the oven, and let it do its factor. It’s hands-off, nice for multitasking, and cleanup is simple. 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 every little thing’s coated and shiny. It’s fast, however you’ll must babysit it slightly greater than the oven model.

Substitutes and Variations

Whether or not you’re working with what you’ve acquired or simply wish to swap issues up, this recipe is tremendous versatile. That is a kind of recipes that performs good with slightly creativity, so be happy to make it your individual with considered one of these modifications:

Bone-In Thighs: Completely positive to make use of! Simply add 10 to fifteen minutes of cook dinner time and ensure the inner temp hits 175°F. The bone provides taste, and the pores and skin will get additional crispy in the event you go away it on.

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

Apple Juice: Should you don’t have apple cider, you possibly can sub in apple juice. It’s a bit sweeter and lighter, so that you would possibly wish to add slightly additional 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 absorb 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 understand what to search for, and it’s completely price getting proper. Right here’s learn how to repair it:

Too skinny? Hold 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 additional pinch of cornstarch (begin with 1/2 teaspoon blended with a tablespoon or two of water).

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

Glaze received’t follow the hen? Make 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.

Steadily Requested Questions

Make-Forward Ideas

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

Prep the Hen Early: You may 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. Once you’re able to cook dinner, lay every little thing out in your sheet pan and go straight to the oven.

Make the Glaze Forward: The glaze might 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 slightly extra cider to skinny it out.

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

Serving Strategies

This hen is filled with 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 may 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 the event you’re feeling like a grain bowl. Add some greens and possibly a crumble of goat cheese or feta in the event you’re feeling fancy.

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