Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent chicken thighs coated in a sweet-savory bourbon and apple reduction, paired with roasted root vegetables. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bourbon, apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 1 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp bourbon to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 diced apple, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 tsp thyme. Cook for 2 minutes until apples soften.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 1 cup chopped carrots and 1 cup cubed potatoes around the chicken. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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