Delicious Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe for Fall

Imagine walking into your kitchen, the sweet aroma of apple cider wafting through the air and mingling with the savory scent of sizzling chicken. That’s right; you’re about to embark on a culinary adventure with this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe. With its sticky-sweet glaze and tender chicken, this dish promises to be the star of your dinner table.

This recipe brings back memories of cozy autumn evenings spent with family, where laughter filled the air and warm food brought us closer together. You’ll want to whip this up for a family gathering or simply to treat yourself after a long day. The anticipation builds as you prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, which cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves to enhance the marinade’s depth with their bold flavor.

• Apple Cider: Opt for pure apple cider without added sugars for an authentic taste that shines in the glaze.

• Honey: A drizzle of honey balances the tartness of the cider perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while still adding that umami kick.

• Dijon Mustard: This adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness; choose smooth Dijon for better blending.

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

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Start by marinating your chicken. In a bowl, combine apple cider, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Place the chicken in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight if you’re feeling ambitious; this allows all those flavors to mingle.

Next up: cooking! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting for it to reach temperature, heat some oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Remove chicken from marinade (but save that liquid!) and sear each side for about five minutes until golden brown—this gives your chicken that lovely crust we all crave.

Now it’s glazing time! Pour the reserved marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer while you enjoy that irresistible aroma filling your kitchen—it’s basically a hug in smell form! Once simmering, transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Finally comes the pièce de résistance: glaze reduction! After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on medium heat on your stovetop. Let it simmer uncovered until thickened slightly—about five minutes—stirring occasionally. This step transforms your marinade into a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to each piece of chicken.

Once thickened to perfection, spoon that glorious glaze over your chicken before serving. Pair this delightful dish with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up any extra sauce—it’s just too good not to!

And there you have it! An Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe that’s not only delicious but also brings joy and warmth into every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging solo on a cozy night in, this dish guarantees happy taste buds all around!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in apple cider, garlic, and herbs to infuse flavor. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking while you prepare the glaze. This sequence ensures juicy chicken with a beautifully caramelized exterior.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out apple cider for orange juice or even cranberry juice for a unique twist. Add some chopped rosemary or thyme to enhance the herbaceous notes. You can also toss in vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it retains its moisture and flavor.

I once made this apple cider glazed chicken recipe for my family’s holiday gathering, and they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! It turned what could have been a simple dinner into a memorable feast filled with laughter and joy.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe?

For the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe, gather chicken thighs or breasts, apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh thyme. Salt and pepper will enhance the flavor. The combination of sweet apple cider and tangy mustard creates a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking. This balance of flavors makes your dish both savory and sweet. Ensure you have all these ingredients ready to create a delicious meal that your family will love.

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

Cooking the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken takes about 30-40 minutes in total. First, sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Then, pour in the apple cider glaze and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This method ensures juicy chicken infused with flavorful glaze.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other meats for this recipe. While chicken is popular, pork chops or turkey cutlets work well too. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat used. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), while turkey follows similar guidelines to chicken. The apple cider glaze complements various proteins and adds a unique twist, making it versatile for different meals.

How can I store leftovers from the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?

To store leftovers from the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them; they will last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, make sure to warm them thoroughly until heated through to maintain flavor and texture.

Conclusion for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe:

The Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe combines simple ingredients with a rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve perfectly glazed chicken every time. Remember to adjust cooking times depending on your choice of meat and always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Whether serving it on a weeknight or at a gathering, this dish promises satisfaction with its delightful sweet and savory notes. Don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe; it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

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Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is an irresistible dish that marries sweet apple cider with savory spices, creating a sticky glaze that enhances tender chicken breasts. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe captures the essence of cozy autumn gatherings with family and friends. Experience the warmth of fall flavors in every bite as you serve this delightful meal alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup unsweetened apple cider
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Place chicken in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (reserve marinade) and sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
4. Pour reserved marinade over the seared chicken. Bring to a simmer then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. After baking, return skillet to stovetop over medium heat. Simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes until glaze thickens.
6. Spoon the glaze over the chicken before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider swapping apple cider with orange juice or cranberry juice. - Enhance the dish by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. - Include vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.