Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy family dinner or elegant entertaining.The dish features juicy chicken pieces roasted to perfection and coated with a luscious apple cider glaze. The glaze, made with apple cider, honey, and warm spices, brings a touch of autumn to your plate any time of the year.
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.
Notes
Pro tip: For a smoother glaze, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking. This removes any bits of garlic or spices, creating a silky texture.