Sweet apples, tender chicken thighs, and warm spices come together in this heart healthy chicken thighs recipe that’s both gluten-free and diabetic-friendly. When you want a new twist on cooking with chicken, give this sweet and savory comfort meal a try. With a rich cider-based sauce, chicken thighs with apples and carrots is a budget-friendly heart healthy dinner idea for a make-ahead meal that the whole family will love on a cool, rainy day.
Check out more of our heart healthy chicken recipes to inspire your next meal!
Many people wonder if dark meat can fit into their wellness goals, but this easy, one-pan meal proves that boneless, skinless chicken thighs can definitely be enjoyed on a heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly diet. By pairing the tender chicken with fiber-rich apples and carrots, and using a light cider glaze, this dish delivers comforting flavor without excess fat or salt.
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Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be part of a heart-healthy diet when consumed in moderation and prepared with low-sodium, nutrient-dense ingredients like those in this recipe.
This recipe starts on the stove to brown the chicken and soften the onions, but the majority of the cooking is actually done by baking it in the oven at 300° for about an hour.
The cornstarch helps thicken the cider glaze so it coats the chicken beautifully. If you prefer, you can use arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative.
If you love how easy and flavorful these thighs are, explore our full collection of heart healthy dinner recipes for more nutritious mealtime inspiration.
Round out your weekly menu by pairing your main courses with comforting healthy side dish recipes or warming up with hearty healthy stew recipes on chilly nights.
Recipe yields 8 servings
Preheat the oven to 300°.
In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
Lightly coat an ovenproof skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add chicken and cook until just browned, about 3 minutes on each side. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the apples and carrots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring. Add 3/4 cup of the apple cider, the broth and honey and bring to a boil. Add the browned chicken thighs. Cover the pan and transfer to the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Transfer the chicken, apple pieces and carrots to a platter. Return the skillet to the stove, and bring the liquid remaining in skillet to a boil over high heat.
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 3 tablespoons apple cider and the cornstarch until the cornstarch dissolves. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the liquid in the pan and cook until liquid thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and pour sauce over chicken and apples. Garnish with sage.
Slow Cooker: You can brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables on the stove first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender, then thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry right before serving.
To round out this meal, serve the chicken alongside roasted sweet potatoes, a simple side of sautéed green beans, or over a bed of whole-grain brown rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious cider glaze.
Swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner white meat option, just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they do not dry out.
Substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If apples aren't in season, firm pears make a delicious substitution in this sweet and savory sauce.
Chicken thighs are juicy, rich in flavor and nutrient-dense. If you’re a fan of easy chicken thigh recipes, try our savory Chicken Thighs with Farro or our boldly spiced Indian-inspired Butter Chicken. For a crunchy recipe that’s loaded with sweet and spicy elements, you won’t want to miss this Bang Bang Chicken. It will liven up your taste buds and is deceptively healthy!