Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken thighs in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the apple cider, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these hold a lot of flavor.
Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble and reduce for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the liquid has thickened into a syrupy consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Spoon the thickened glaze over the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Serve immediately while the glaze is glossy and warm.