There’s something magical about the way apple cider can transform a simple dish into a flavor-packed masterpiece. The moment you catch the scent of warm spices mingling with sweet apples, you’ll feel like you’re in a cozy autumn kitchen. Now imagine that rich aroma wafting through your home while you prepare an Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe that could make even the most discerning food critic weak at the knees.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
- How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need for the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe?
- How long does it take to cook the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
- Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
- What sides pair well with Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
- Conclusion for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe:
- 📖 Recipe Card
This delightful dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a trip down memory lane. Picture chilly evenings spent around the dinner table, laughter echoing as family and friends savor each bite. The glaze glistens, promising a burst of flavor with every forkful. And whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this chicken dish will elevate any occasion to gastronomic heights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is effortlessly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- Its unique flavor profile balances sweet and savory, creating an unforgettable taste experience
- Visually stunning, this dish features a glossy glaze that adds elegance to your dinner table
- Versatile enough to pair with rice, veggies, or even salad, it fits any meal plan seamlessly
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 are ideal for serving 4 people; adjust based on your crowd size.
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid anything from concentrate if you can help it.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce works wonders here without overpowering the sweetness of the cider.
Brown Sugar: This adds that rich caramel flavor that complements the tartness of the cider beautifully.
Fresh Rosemary: A few sprigs add an aromatic touch—leave them whole for easy removal later.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; chop them finely for maximum impact.
For the Sauce:
Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch mixed with water creates a lovely thickening agent for your glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
Start with Marinating
Begin by marinating your chicken breasts in a mixture of apple cider, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and rosemary. Allow it to soak up those flavors for at least an hour—longer if possible—while you daydream about how amazing dinner will be.
Sear Until Golden
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (keep that liquid!) and sear each side until golden brown—about six minutes per side should do it. You want that beautiful caramelization!
Prepare the Glaze
After searing, remove the chicken and toss in your reserved marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a boil while scraping up those tasty bits stuck at the bottom of your pan. Nothing says flavor like deglazing!
Thicken It Up
Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Add this mixture gradually into your boiling marinade while constantly stirring—it’ll thicken into that shiny glaze you crave in about two minutes!
Combine and Coat
Return your chicken to the pan and coat each piece generously with that luscious glaze. Let them simmer together on low heat for another five minutes until everything is heated through and coated beautifully.
Serve It Up
Finally, plate your Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with extra glaze drizzled on top for presentation points! Pair it with roasted vegetables or fluffy rice and enjoy every bite as flavors dance on your palate.
And there you have it—an irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe that’s sure to impress! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish brings warmth and joy straight to your dinner table.
You Must Know
- This delightful Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe brings a burst of flavor to your table
- Sweet and tangy, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner
- Serve it with sides that complement its rich taste for a feast
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in the juices and create a delicious crust. While that’s happening, prepare the apple cider glaze. Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the glaze and let everything simmer together for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for pork or tofu if you prefer. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg in the glaze for an autumn twist. Add chopped apples or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet on low heat until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor during cooking
- Let the chicken rest after cooking; this ensures juiciness when you cut into it
- Always taste your glaze before using it; adjust sweetness or acidity to suit your palate
Sharing this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe reminds me of that time my friends couldn’t stop raving about how good dinner was—let’s just say I might have taken all the credit!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe?
To make the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe, you will need chicken thighs or breasts, apple cider, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Additionally, having salt and pepper on hand will enhance the seasoning. Fresh herbs like thyme can also add a delightful flavor. This combination creates a sweet and savory glaze that perfectly complements the chicken. Make sure to choose high-quality apple cider for the best results in this dish.
How long does it take to cook the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
Cooking the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It’s essential to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Start by searing the chicken in a pan until golden brown before adding the glaze made from apple cider and other ingredients. Simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring your chicken remains juicy and tender.
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe by using other meats like pork or turkey. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs well with various proteins. If you opt for pork chops or turkey cutlets, adjust the cooking time slightly as they may require different durations to reach safe internal temperatures. Ensure that whatever meat you choose is cooked thoroughly for optimal flavor and safety.
What sides pair well with Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken pairs wonderfully with several side dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, which complement the sweetness of the glaze. Mashed potatoes or rice can also absorb some of that delightful sauce. For a fresh touch, a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette works well too, balancing out the richness of this savory dish.
Conclusion for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe:
In summary, the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is an easy yet flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory elements perfectly. Using quality ingredients enhances its taste and appeal. With a cooking time of just 30 to 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. By pairing it with complementary sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, you will create a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Try this recipe today for a delicious culinary experience!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of apple cider with savory spices, creating a juicy and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. The chicken is marinated, seared, and glazed to perfection, filling your kitchen with warm autumn aromas. This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in apple cider, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and rosemary for at least 1 hour.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove chicken and add reserved marinade to the skillet; bring to a boil while scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer until the glaze thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating with glaze; simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with extra glaze drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Glazing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
