Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. The tangy apple cider glaze perfectly complements tender, juicy chicken breasts, making it an easy yet impressive dish for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 apple, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Stir in the honey and fresh thyme leaves. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat well in the glaze. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Step 7: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter. If desired, garnish with slices of apple and fresh parsley.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze while it simmers.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful alternative.
• If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme.
• Caramelize the apple slices briefly in a pan before garnish for added sweetness and texture.

Storage

Store leftover glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to preserve the glaze’s texture and flavor. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute, but apple cider tends to have a richer, deeper flavor that enhances the glaze.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients, such as honey and apple cider vinegar, are confirmed gluten-free from their packaging.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a savory and slightly sweet apple cider and honey glaze infused with fresh thyme and garlic. Perfectly pan-seared and simmered to create a flavorful and appetizing main dish ideal for a cozy dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

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

Glaze and Sauce

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Garnish (Optional)

• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the apple cider and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Honey and Thyme: Stir in the honey and fresh thyme leaves. Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes, creating a glossy glaze.
6. Coat Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and turn them to coat thoroughly with the glaze. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken to a serving platter and, if desired, garnish with thin apple slices and chopped fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.
8. Enjoy: Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Optional garnishes add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the tender glazed chicken.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain flavor and moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider chicken, glazed chicken breast, skillet chicken recipe, apple cider glaze, easy chicken dinner