Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Apple Cider Glazed Chicken. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar!

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is the single most important step for achieving crispy, golden-brown skin. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the chicken pieces liberally on both sides with this mixture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear, without moving, for 6-8 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. It will not be fully cooked through.

Step 3: Create the Glaze Base
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, with the rendered chicken fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom. This is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Reduce the Cider
Add the fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs to the skillet. Bring the cider to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a vigorous simmer. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, or until the cider has reduced by about half and has thickened to a syrupy consistency.

Step 5: Finish the Glaze and Combine
Once reduced, whisk in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), and apple cider vinegar. Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up, along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken.

Step 6: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. If the glaze looks like it’s reducing too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth.

Step 7: Create the Luxurious Finish
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (remember the handle is hot!). Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Bring the glaze to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 more minutes to thicken further. Remove from heat and swirl in the cold butter, one piece at a time, until the glaze is glossy and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Pour the magnificent apple cider glaze over the chicken on the platter. Garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately.