APPLE CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN BEST

Imagine the aroma of sweet apples mingling with savory herbs, coating tender chicken in a glossy, irresistible glaze. This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Dinner is not just a meal; it’s an autumnal hug on a plate that will leave everyone craving more, and trust me, you can absolutely nail this!

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Apple Cider Glaze:

• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves

Optional Sides:

• Mashed sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Quinoa
• Steamed green beans

The Secret to the Best Apple Cider Glaze

Trust me, the glaze is everything! It’s what transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special. I’ve experimented with tons of variations, and this combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is the absolute winner. First, the apple cider brings that quintessential fall flavor. The apple cider vinegar adds a needed tang to balance the sweetness. Brown sugar deepens the sweetness with molasses notes, while Dijon mustard brings a welcome savory element and helps the glaze thicken. Soy sauce provides umami, and the cornstarch slurry ensures a glossy, perfectly thickened glaze. Finally, the cinnamon and cloves add that little touch of warm spice. Don’t skip the Dijon mustard or soy sauce. They’re essential for creating a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Sear the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Apple Cider Glaze:

1. In the same skillet, add apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple cider mixture, stirring constantly.
5. Continue to simmer and stir for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in cinnamon and cloves.

Glaze and Bake:

1. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the apple cider glaze.
2. Spoon the glaze over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken with the glaze halfway through baking.

Serve:

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Spoon the remaining apple cider glaze over the chicken before serving.
3. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or quinoa.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Every Time

• Don’t overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, and nobody wants that!
• Sear the chicken properly. A good sear not only adds flavor but also helps to seal in the juices, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of brown sugar.
• Get creative with spices. Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.
• Make it ahead. You can prepare the apple cider glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.
• Add some heat. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little kick.

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. This will add even more flavor and richness to the dish. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add vegetables to the skillet. Toss some chopped apples, onions, or carrots into the skillet while the chicken is baking for a complete one-pan meal.
• Make it a sheet pan dinner. Roast the chicken and vegetables on a sheet pan for easy cleanup.
• Grill the chicken. Grill the chicken over medium heat, basting with the apple cider glaze during the last few minutes of grilling.

Serving Suggestions & Delicious Pairings

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Dinner is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the apple cider glaze perfectly.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, making them a delicious and healthy side.
• Quinoa: A simple and nutritious grain that provides a hearty base for the chicken.
• Steamed Green Beans: A classic side dish that adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Apple Cranberry Sauce: Because you can never have too many apple flavors in the fall!

If you’re looking for other easy chicken recipes, you might enjoy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Casserole Recipe, or even Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. Each provides unique flavors and simple preparation methods. For a pasta option, consider Marry Me Chicken Pasta or Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet. If you prefer a crunchy texture, try Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

Leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish with a little bit of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the chicken tough.
• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and a little bit of water or chicken broth. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Dinner is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The combination of flavors, the ease of preparation, and the comforting aroma make it a perfect choice for any occasion. It is sure to become a family favorite! The fact that it is relatively quick to prepare and uses readily available ingredients makes it a total winner in my book. It’s also easy to customize to your liking. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or something special for a weekend gathering, this recipe is a sure bet. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy cooking, my friend!