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