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- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on - 1 cup apple butter - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - Olive oil for searing These main ingredients create a rich and tasty dish. The chicken thighs have juicy meat under crispy skin. The apple butter adds sweetness, while Dijon mustard brings a nice tang. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These spices enhance the flavor of the chicken. Garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder gives a sweet taste, and smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky note. Salt and pepper help balance all the flavors. - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish Fresh thyme adds a bright touch to the dish. You can also try adding other herbs like parsley or rosemary. If you want a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. For a fruity twist, swap apple butter with other fruit preserves like peach or apricot. First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it hot and ready for the chicken. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients. You will need four bone-in chicken thighs with skin. The skin adds great flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. In a small bowl, mix one cup of apple butter with two tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a nice tang. Next, sprinkle in one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it looks smooth and shiny. This glaze will make your chicken extra tasty. Take a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil; this helps to brown the chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. When the oil gets hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Sear them for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the skin to be golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs over so the skin is up. Now, pour the apple butter glaze over the top. Make sure each thigh gets a good coat. Carefully move the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take it out and let it rest a few minutes. Drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the chicken and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get crispy chicken skin, start with dry skin. Pat the chicken thighs with paper towels. This helps remove moisture. Next, heat your skillet until it is hot. Add olive oil just before searing. Place the chicken skin-side down and don’t move it. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes. This will make a golden, crispy skin. When using apple butter, choose a good quality brand. Look for one with real apples and no added sugars. This makes your dish taste better. Mix the apple butter with Dijon mustard and vinegar. This adds a nice tang to the glaze. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for the best flavor. Serve your apple butter glazed chicken with sides that complement its flavors. Roasted vegetables work well. Consider mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Drizzle any extra glaze from the pan over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme for a lovely touch. {{image_2}} You can use different cuts of chicken for this dish. Boneless thighs work well if you prefer less fat. Chicken breasts can also be an option. Just remember, the cooking time may change. You want the chicken to stay juicy. Check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F. To make a spicy version, add some heat to the glaze. You can mix in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste. Adjust it to your liking. This spicy kick pairs great with the sweet apple butter. It adds depth and excitement to every bite. If you want to switch it up, try other fruit preserves. Peach or apricot preserves can create a lovely flavor. They add a fruity sweetness that works well with chicken. You can also use cranberry sauce for a tart twist. Just keep the same ratios as the apple butter in the recipe. This way, you’ll still get that delicious glaze. To store leftover chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to cover the chicken well to prevent dry skin. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap if you prefer. When you reheat chicken thighs, do it slowly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps the skin crispy. To freeze chicken thighs, let them cool completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Then place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. If you use them, adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Apple butter glazed chicken goes well with many sides. Here are a few great options: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Green beans - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad These sides balance the sweet and savory notes of the dish. You can change the glaze to match your taste. If you want it sweeter, add more apple butter. For a tangy kick, add extra apple cider vinegar. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Play around until you find your perfect mix. Apple butter can be a healthy choice in moderation. It is lower in calories than regular butter. It also contains some vitamins from apples. However, it can be high in sugar. Always check the label or make your own to control the sugar content. Absolutely! Homemade apple butter works great in this recipe. It may even enhance the flavor. Just ensure it has a good balance of sweet and tart. Your homemade version can add a personal touch to the dish. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Apple Butter Glazed Chicken Thighs. We began with key ingredients and seasonings. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for perfect cooking. You learned tips for crispy skin and tasty variations. Finally, I provided storage and reheating advice. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy your cooking and impress your guests with this tasty recipe!

Apple Butter Glazed Chicken Thighs

Savor the sweetness of Apple Butter Glazed Chicken Thighs with this delicious and easy recipe! Juicy, bone-in chicken thighs are perfectly seared and coated in a mouthwatering apple butter glaze made with Dijon mustard and spices. This dish is a delightful way to bring comfort food to your table. Click through to discover how to make this tasty meal and impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on

1 cup apple butter

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Olive oil for searing

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a small bowl, whisk together the apple butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

        Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.

          Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the apple butter glaze over the top, ensuring to coat them evenly.

            Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

                Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the chicken before garnishing with fresh thyme sprigs.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4