Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks?

While you can use apple juice, the resulting glaze will be thinner and less flavorful. Apple cider is unfiltered and contains more natural sugars and solids, which are essential for creating that thick, mahogany-colored glaze that defines apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks.

How do I ensure the skin on my apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks stays crispy?

The key is to pat the chicken completely dry before searing. Searing the drumsticks in a hot skillet before adding the glaze and moving them to the oven helps render the fat and crisp the skin. Frequent basting in the final stages of cooking also helps build a tacky, crisp exterior.

Can this glaze be used on other parts of the chicken?

Yes! The glaze for apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks works beautifully on chicken thighs or even a whole roasted chicken. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out faster than the dark meat found in drumsticks.

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Description

Sticky, sweet, and savory chicken drumsticks glazed with a concentrated apple cider reduction and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

8-10 chicken drumsticks (approx. 2 lbs)
2 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken drumsticks generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Whisk the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and rosemary into the reduced cider. Set aside.
Step 4: In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden brown, about 8 minutes total.
Step 5: Pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, basting the apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks with the pan juices every 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. The glaze will thicken as it cools. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure you use fresh cider, not apple juice, for the best glaze consistency.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Category: Chicken
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
Calories: 345 kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 95mg