Irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken with a delightful apple cider glaze promises an unforgettable meal that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Every kitchen becomes a culinary playground when you experiment with such vibrant flavors.

Sweet and tangy notes weave magic through tender meat, creating a symphony of comfort.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Simple techniques help you craft a dish that looks impressive yet remains wonderfully approachable.

Home cooks can confidently tackle this recipe, knowing delicious results await.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering culinary adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Great Sides To Serve With Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Pair Rustic Red Wine with Sweet Kick: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir with subtle fruit notes that complement the apple cider glaze's sweetness and balance the chicken's savory profile.
• Serve Roasted Root Vegetables as Side Companion: Create a hearty side dish with caramelized carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes that mirror the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg in the chicken's glaze.
• Create Crisp Apple Slaw Contrast: Prepare a tangy apple and cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the glazed chicken and provides a refreshing, crunchy texture counterpoint.
• Match Crusty Artisan Bread for Sauce Soaking: Include a rustic sourdough or whole grain bread to soak up the delicious apple cider glaze, enhancing the overall dining experience with additional flavor absorption.

Creative Twists On Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Maple Mustard Variation: Replace apple cider with maple syrup for a rich, sweet Canadian-style glaze that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Gluten-Free Option: Swap Dijon mustard with grain-free mustard and use coconut aminos instead of apple cider vinegar for a celiac-friendly version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Spicy Citrus Adaptation: Incorporate orange juice and red pepper flakes into the glaze for a zesty, slightly spicy alternative that brings vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes to the dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Use sugar-free apple cider substitute, replace honey with monk fruit sweetener, and ensure all ingredients are carbohydrate-controlled while keeping the core cooking technique identical.

FAQs

• Why should I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Bone-in chicken provides more flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during cooking. The bone also helps distribute heat more evenly, resulting in more tender and succulent meat.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken pieces?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them. They tend to dry out faster than thighs or drumsticks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• How do I know when the glaze is reduced enough?

The glaze is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. It should be thick but still pourable, with a syrup-like consistency.

• What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or white vinegar. The key is to maintain the tangy element that balances the sweetness of the honey and apple cider.

Reasons To Enjoy Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Combines sweet apple cider, honey, and warm spices for a mouthwatering chicken dish that tantalizes taste buds with its complex flavor profile.
• Requires minimal prep work and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Suitable for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or impressive date nights, this recipe appeals to various palates and easily adapts to different serving styles.
• Utilizes a single oven-safe skillet, reducing cleanup time and making the cooking process streamlined and convenient for busy home cooks.

What You Need For Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Protein base of the dish with potential for crispy, golden skin.
• Apple Cider: Primary flavor component providing sweet and tangy base.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps create glossy glaze.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herb and spice blend for enhancing chicken flavor.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices adding depth to the glaze.

• Apple Cider Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Minced Garlic: Tangy and aromatic components that balance the glaze's sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and creating golden chicken skin.

How To Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Delectable 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 rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until it thickens into a luscious glaze.

Taste and adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for roasting.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for a crisp finish.

Season generously with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary.

Step 4: Create a Crispy Golden Exterior

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

Flip the chicken, then transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Roast the chicken for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Glaze with Flavor

In the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the apple cider glaze every 3-4 minutes to build caramelized layers.

Step 7: Add Final Touch of Caramelization

Broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes to deepen the caramelization, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat.

Helpful Hints For Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Add a splash of bourbon or apple brandy to the glaze for deeper, more complex taste notes.
• Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before searing to achieve maximum golden-brown crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• If the glaze becomes too thick, thin it with a little water or additional apple cider; if too thin, continue simmering to reduce.
• Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version without compromising flavor profile.
• Freshly chopped rosemary or thyme sprinkled over the finished dish will elevate the aromatic qualities and provide a bright, herbal finish.

Tips for Reheating Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with reserved glaze for extra moisture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken gets a sweet-savory makeover with this apple cider glazed chicken recipe, elevating weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. Caramelized edges and a glossy apple cider reduction promise a delightful meal that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in (skin-on) chicken breasts or thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Optional: fresh sage leaves
• Optional: fresh thyme sprigs
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Glaze and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1. Craft the apple cider glaze by combining apple cider, honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium saucepan.
2. Elevate heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring intermittently.
3. Reduce temperature to medium-low, allowing the glaze to simmer for 20-25 minutes until it reduces by half and develops a thick, coating consistency.
4. Fine-tune the glaze’s flavor profile, adjusting with additional honey or vinegar as desired.
5. Calibrate the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal roasting conditions.
6. Meticulously dry chicken pieces using paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior.
7. Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
8. Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
9. Carefully position chicken skin-side down, searing for 5-7 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.
10. Flip the chicken and transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven.
11. Roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
12. During the final cooking phase, periodically brush the chicken with the prepared apple cider glaze every 3-4 minutes.
13. Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a caramelized finish, maintaining vigilant observation to prevent burning.
14. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• Achieve crispy skin by thoroughly drying chicken with paper towels before seasoning, which removes excess moisture and promotes better browning.
• Customize glaze sweetness by adjusting honey levels, creating a personalized flavor profile that suits individual taste preferences.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy and tender meat.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by replacing honey with a sugar-free sweetener and monitoring glaze reduction carefully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg