Apple cider-glazed hen thighs are a kind 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, just a little little bit of brown sugar, and simply sufficient spice to maintain issues fascinating.
In the event you love apple cider, attempt making my slow cooker apple cider from scratch!
Why My Recipe
- A thick, sticky apple-cider glaze that can go away you eager to lick your plate clear.
- Roasted on a sheet pan for straightforward cleanup and completely roasted hen.
- Tangy mustard, candy cider, and simply sufficient spice to maintain it fascinating.
The actual star right here is that shiny, craveable glaze. It clings to the hen excellent 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 sort of dinner that works simply as nicely for a busy weeknight because it does whenever 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 hold them juicy. You should use bone-in if that’s what you’ve gotten, 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 amount of acidity.
- Paprika: Provides just a little shade 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 forestall clumps.
- Apple Cider: This isn’t the identical as apple cider vinegar! It’s often discovered within the refrigerated juice part throughout the fall, however shelf-stable variations work simply as nicely. Attempt to avoid apple juice. It’s sweeter and fewer complicated.
- Brown Sugar: Only one tablespoon provides the right trace of sweetness. Both mild or darkish brown sugar will work right here.
Alternate Cooking Methodology
There’s multiple option to make cider-glazed hen, and truthfully, they each work. You simply have to choose the one that matches your day greatest.
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 just a little 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 just a little creativity, so be at liberty to make it your personal with one among these adjustments:
Bone-In Thighs: Completely effective 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 further crispy in case 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 might be a contact thinner, however nonetheless sticky and candy.
Apple Juice: In the event you 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 just a little further vinegar (about 1/2 teaspoon) to stability it out.
Recent 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 what to search for, and it’s completely price getting proper. Right here’s the best way to 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 just a little extra apple cider to skinny it out. Go sluggish right here; just a little goes a great 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 couple of minutes within the oven after glazing. It’s what helps the glaze cling and caramelize.
Regularly Requested Questions
Sure! Bone-in or skin-on thighs work nice. Simply add 10 to fifteen further minutes of cook dinner time and ensure the inner temp reaches 175°F. The pores and skin crisps up superbly too.
If it’s too skinny, hold simmering. It’ll thicken because it reduces. Too thick? Stir in a splash of cider to loosen it up. It’s tremendous forgiving
Completely. You possibly can marinate the hen as much as 24 hours prematurely and make the glaze a day or two early. Simply heat the glaze earlier than utilizing.
Apple cider is unfiltered and often much less candy, which supplies the glaze a richer, extra balanced taste. Apple juice is okay if that’s all you’ve acquired. Simply add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar to even it out.
Completely. Grill over medium warmth, then brush on the glaze throughout the previous couple of minutes. Simply hold the warmth in examine so the glaze doesn’t burn.
Make-Forward Suggestions
This recipe is already fairly weeknight-friendly, however if you wish to get forward, right here’s the best way to make it even simpler:
Prep the Hen Early: You possibly can 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 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 just a little extra cider to skinny it out.
Full Meal Prep: Wish to get the entire thing prepared forward of time? You possibly can prep the hen and glaze, retailer them individually, and simply mix and roast whenever you’re prepared. It’s nice for internet hosting or busy evenings whenever you need dinner to really feel just a little extra particular with virtually zero effort.
Serving Recommendations
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 possibly can combine and match relying in your temper (or what’s hanging out in your fridge). Listed below are a few of our favourite combos:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the right 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 perhaps 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 light-weight French dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Retailer It: Leftovers will hold within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Simply ensure that to switch every little thing to an hermetic container as soon as it cools down. In the event you’ve acquired further glaze within the pan, positively save that too. It’s gold!
Freeze It: This hen freezes like a champ. Let it cool utterly, then pop it right into a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll hold for as much as 3 months. For greatest outcomes, freeze particular person parts so that they’re straightforward to seize and go.
Reheat It: You possibly can reheat the hen within the microwave. Simply do it briefly bursts so it doesn’t dry out. In the event you’ve acquired just a few further minutes, the stovetop is even higher. Heat it in a skillet over medium warmth with a tablespoon of cider or water till it’s heated by way of and the glaze will get shiny once more.
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