Who doesn’t love the tantalizing aroma of apple cider and roasted chicken wafting through their kitchen?
Our Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe tastes incredible delicious and is easy to make!
This dish combines the sweet, crisp flavors of autumn with succulent, perfectly cooked chicken for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite dinner!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the apple cider glaze:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional herbs and spices:
- Fresh sage leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted root vegetables
- Wild rice pilaf
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Take your apple cider glazed chicken to the next level with these serving ideas:
- Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
- Garnish with fresh apple slices, sage leaves, and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
- Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts for a complete autumn-inspired meal.
- For a casual family dinner, try it with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze.
- Hosting a dinner party? Present the chicken on a bed of wilted spinach with a side of quinoa pilaf for an elegant touch.
Nutritional Benefits of Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Not only is this dish delicious, but it also packs some nutritional punch:
- Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle health and satiety.
- Apple cider contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- The natural sweetness from the apple cider and honey means less need for added sugars.
- Garlic and spices used in the glaze have anti-inflammatory properties.
To make the dish even healthier, consider these tips:
- Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content.
- Serve with a larger portion of vegetables to increase fiber intake.
- Use a sugar-free apple cider to lower the overall sugar content.
A scrumptious apple cider glazed chicken recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish delivers on both flavor and presentation.
The sweet and tangy notes of the apple cider glaze perfectly complement the juicy chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for apple cider?
Yes, you can use unsweetened apple juice as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the glaze during the last hour of cooking.
How long does the leftover chicken keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, the chicken will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the apple cider glaze:
- 2 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional herbs and spices:
- Fresh sage leaves
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted root vegetables
- Wild rice pilaf
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
Instructions
Preparing the Apple Cider Glaze
- In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze has reduced by half and thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
Cooking Techniques for Juicy Glazed Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin!
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the chicken and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the apple cider glaze every 3-4 minutes.
- For extra caramelization, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.