Irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe to Savor

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There’s something magical about the first whiff of apple cider wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the savory scent of chicken sizzling away. Picture this: you take a bite of succulent chicken glazed in a sweet, tangy apple cider sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s like autumn wrapped up in a delicious hug, and trust me, your dinner guests will be begging for the recipe.

As I stood over my stovetop channeling my inner chef, memories of family gatherings flooded back – laughter, warmth, and a table overflowing with food. This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is perfect for those cozy evenings when you want to impress without stressing out. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed dish that brings people together!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The easy preparation means you can whip it up even on busy weeknights
  • The flavor profile balances sweet and savory perfectly, making each bite delightful
  • With its golden glaze, this dish is visually stunning and sure to impress anyone at your table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—dinner parties or cozy family meals alike

Ingredients for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts should do the trick; adjust based on your crowd size.

  • Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for a robust flavor; they pair beautifully with the sweetness of the cider.

For the Sauce:

  • Apple Cider: Choose pure apple cider for that authentic fall flavor; avoid the sugary stuff.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance flavors without overpowering the dish.

  • Honey: A touch of honey amplifies sweetness; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.

  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a nice tangy kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Start by prepping your chicken: pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. You want every inch to be flavorful before it hits the pan.

Sizzle your chicken in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat until golden brown—about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when it releases easily from the pan and looks undeniably delicious.

While your chicken bathes in that golden glory, prepare the glaze! In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. The aroma will have you dreaming of cozy autumn nights.

Pour that beautiful glaze over the chicken in the skillet once it’s browned on both sides; let it simmer gently. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken—around 5-7 minutes more. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want any burnt offerings here!

Finally, remove your glorious creation from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute and keeps every bite tender and juicy!

Serve this mouthwatering Apple Cider Glazed Chicken alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up that divine sauce. Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about those cherished moments around the dinner table!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe marries sweet and savory flavors for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion
  • The glaze adds a beautiful shine, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate
  • It’s simple yet impressive, ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown, then prepare the apple cider glaze while the chicken cooks through. This sequence ensures crisp skin and juicy meat, maximizing flavor at every step.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apple cider for orange juice for a citrusy twist. Add some thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma, or toss in chopped apples during cooking for additional texture and sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to preserve that delightful glaze.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor
  • Always let your chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy
  • Don’t rush the glazing process; let it simmer until thickened for maximum flavor impact

Sometimes I whip up this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe when friends come over, and they always rave about how fancy it tastes—even though it’s super easy to make!

FAQs

What is the best way to serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The sweetness of the glaze complements the savory elements of these sides, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor. Additionally, you can drizzle some extra glaze over the sides for added taste. For a festive touch, consider adding cranberries or walnuts to your salad.

How long does it take to cook Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?

Cooking Apple Cider Glazed Chicken typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Start by searing the chicken in a pan for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then, add the apple cider and allow it to simmer until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This method ensures that the chicken remains juicy while absorbing all the delicious flavors from the glaze.

Can I make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Apple Cider Glazed Chicken ahead of time! Cook the chicken and apply the glaze as directed. Once cooked, let it cool completely before refrigerating it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently in a skillet or oven until warmed through. The flavors will continue to meld together, making this dish even tastier when reheated. Just be sure not to overcook it during reheating.

What can I substitute for apple cider in this recipe?

If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can substitute it with apple juice or white grape juice for a similar sweetness and flavor profile. Another alternative is to mix equal parts of vinegar and water with a touch of sugar to mimic the acidity and sweetness of apple cider. However, using apple juice will yield a sweeter glaze so adjust sugar levels accordingly for balance in your Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe.

Conclusion for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget that making this dish ahead can enhance its flavors even more! Enjoy experimenting with different sides and enjoy this succulent recipe at your next dinner gathering.

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Apple Cider Glazed Chicken


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that beautifully marries sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a luscious apple cider glaze, evoking the warmth of autumn with every bite. This easy-to-prepare recipe is sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for weeknight meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pure apple cider
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard.
  4. Pour the glaze over the chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: - For added moisture and flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. - Feel free to swap apple cider with orange juice for a citrus twist or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.

Tags:

apple cider / autumn recipes / chicken recipes / dinner ideas / glazed chicken / savory dishes / sweet tangy sauce

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