Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece, where sweet and savory dance together in perfect harmony. Our Apple Butter Roasted Chicken is not just a meal—it's an experience that will make your taste buds sing and your dinner guests marvel at your cooking prowess. With a golden, crispy skin and a luscious apple butter glaze that caramelizes to perfection, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Allow the chicken thighs to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together apple butter, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined, creating a smooth marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
- Generously brush each chicken thigh with the apple butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage on both sides. Reserve some marinade for basting during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and brush with additional marinade. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven.
- Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes, basting with remaining marinade every 10-15 minutes to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh thyme sprigs or a light drizzle of additional apple butter.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your chicken sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even roasting and prevents dry, tough meat.
- Moisture is Your Friend: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step guarantees that irresistibly crispy skin.
- Basting is Key: Don't skip the basting process! Each brush of marinade adds layers of flavor and keeps the meat incredibly juicy.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Cook your chicken to exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness—no more guesswork.
- Resting Matters: Let the chicken rest after cooking. Those 5-7 minutes allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try using a high-quality, locally made apple butter to elevate this dish from great to extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
