Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a delicious dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken breasts. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a balance of rustic and refined tastes that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Sear the chicken in the skillet until golden brown on each side, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft.
5. Step 5: Pour in the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and add the thyme. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to develop flavors.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the top, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from the skillet and continue to simmer the glaze until it thickens slightly.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the reduced glaze over the chicken before serving for a beautiful finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
• If the glaze tastes too sweet, add a little more apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
• Try adding thinly sliced apples and caramelized onions for a sweeter, heartier dish.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while simmering the glaze.
• Swap fresh thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after reducing the glaze.

Storage

Store leftover apple cider glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The glaze may thicken upon cooling; add a splash of water or broth when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time and yield a juicier result.

Is apple cider vinegar necessary in the glaze?

Apple cider vinegar adds a pleasant tang that balances the sweetness of the honey and cider. If unavailable, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice, but the flavor will vary slightly.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Seared to golden perfection and simmered in a homemade apple cider glaze, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any season. It balances comforting fall flavors with light, fresh ingredients and is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Glaze

• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on each side, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes, making sure to scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken.
4. Make the glaze: Pour in the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and add the sprig of thyme. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce.
5. Cook the chicken in glaze: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the chicken, cover the skillet, and cook on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Reduce the glaze: Remove the chicken breasts and set them aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the glaze simmer uncovered for a few more minutes until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
7. Serve: Drizzle the thickened apple cider glaze generously over the cooked chicken breasts before serving.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• If the glaze is too thin, continue simmering until it thickens.
• Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or vinegar to taste while simmering the glaze.
• Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor impact.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, glazed chicken recipe, fall chicken dish, honey mustard chicken, easy stovetop chicken, healthy chicken dinner, quick chicken recipe