Description
A delightful dish that combines savory chicken thighs with the natural sweetness of apples, all wrapped in a rich caramel glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, and ground cinnamon. Whisk until the brown sugar dissolves.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the caramel sauce over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
- Add apple slices to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour the reserved marinade over the apples, return the chicken to the skillet, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra caramelized finish, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let the chicken rest before serving, garnished with caramelized apple slices and pan juices.
Notes
- Choose firm apples for the best texture.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar or using honey/maple syrup.
- Consider adding nuts for crunch or spices for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with apples
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Caramel Apple Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Sweet and Savory Dish