Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze

Name: Oak-Smoked Chicken Thighs with Apple Cider Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken thighs; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 3 tbsp apple cider; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Tender chicken thighs marinated in smoky spices and finished with a sweet-tart apple cider reduction for a balanced, restaurant-quality main course.

Cuisine: American

Category: Chicken

Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 25 minutes.

Serves 4.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken thighs
1 tbsp smoked paprika
3 tbsp apple cider
2 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Arrange chicken skin-side up in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and juices run clear.
Step 3: While chicken bakes, combine 3 tbsp apple cider and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes until reduced to 2 tbsp and slightly syrupy.
Step 4: Brush the reduced glaze over the chicken thighs during the last 5 minutes of baking. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.