Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 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.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add apple cider, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering apple cider mixture, stirring constantly.
- Continue to simmer and stir for 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Stir in cinnamon and cloves.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the apple cider glaze.
- Spoon the glaze over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the glaze halfway through baking.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Spoon the remaining apple cider glaze over the chicken before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or quinoa.
Notes
Don't overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar. Experiment with other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice. The apple cider glaze can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little kick. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or skillet.
