Apple Cider Grilled Chicken (Printable Version)
Start with a tangy cider-thyme soak, then grill your chicken till those edges get sweet and caramelized. Every bite's juicy and a little herby.
# Everything You’ll Need:
01 -
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
03 -
1 teaspoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 -
6 sprigs fresh thyme
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2 tablespoons olive oil
09 -
480 ml fresh apple cider (don’t use vinegar)
10 -
4 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
11 -
1 onion, peeled and chopped
# Steps to Cook:
01 -
Let the chicken sit for a short while after it comes off the grill. If you want, throw on fresh thyme or a few lemon slices for garnish. Dish it up warm with whatever sides you love.
02 -
Get your grill or grill pan hot over medium-high. If you think food might stick, give the grates a quick swipe of oil.
03 -
Drop the chicken thighs right into your marinade. Make sure they’re covered everywhere—flip a few times and squeeze out any air before sealing. Toss in the fridge for at least four hours or leave overnight so the flavors really get in there.
04 -
Grab a big bag or locking container. Toss in sliced onion and garlic, cider, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, then the leaves from three thyme sprigs. Add salt, brown sugar, and black pepper. Give it a good stir or shake.
05 -
Pick up the chicken from the marinade and let whatever drips off, fall away. Set onto your grill and let each side cook about eight minutes until you’ve got a nice deep char. It’s ready when it reaches 75°C inside and the juices come out clear.
# Extra Suggestions:
01 -
Leaving the chicken in the marinade all night gives it a bigger punch of flavor, but four hours will do in a pinch.
02 -
If you want to use bone-in chicken or drumsticks, just know they’ll need extra time on the grill.
03 -
Don’t waste leftover marinade—boil it hard and use as a tasty glaze or to drizzle over.
04 -
No grill outdoors? No worries—a sturdy grill pan on the stove works great.
05 -
Only got dried thyme? Swap in a teaspoon for fresh, and throw it right in the marinade.