Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apple and Thyme

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

Tender chicken thighs coated in a sweet and savory bourbon glaze, complemented by the natural sweetness of apples and aromatic thyme. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown; flip and cook for another 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 1 medium diced apple to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 2 tbsp honey and 1 tsp dried thyme, then bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 and Thyme?

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 and Thyme?

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 and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 and Thyme?

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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