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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup apple cider - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) This recipe for apple cider glazed chicken uses simple and fresh ingredients. You start with chicken, which is the star of the dish. The marinade brings in rich flavors. Apple cider adds sweetness and a touch of tartness. Apple cider vinegar enhances that tartness and gives depth. Honey gives the glaze a nice shine and sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Thyme adds a warm, earthy flavor. Garlic brings in a lovely aroma. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors perfectly. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and keep it moist. Lastly, fresh parsley is great for a pop of color and freshness. You can find all these ingredients at your local store. For the full recipe, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy the delightful taste of this dish! To make a great marinade, mix together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend creates a sweet and tangy flavor for the chicken. For the best taste, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is even better. Always cover the chicken and refrigerate it to avoid any bacteria. Use a large skillet and set the heat to medium-high. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Remove the chicken from the marinade, but save that marinade for later. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. After cooking the chicken, set it aside on a plate. Pour the reserved marinade into the same skillet. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until the liquid thickens into a glaze. Once it reaches the right consistency, add the chicken back into the skillet. Turn the chicken in the glaze to coat it well. Let it cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to soak up more flavor. - Adjusting sweetness with honey Honey adds a nice sweetness. You can add more or less to taste. Start with two tablespoons. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. - Balancing flavors with vinegar The apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness. It gives the dish a nice tang. Use one tablespoon for a balanced flavor. Adjust based on your taste. - Ensuring crispy texture To get crispy chicken, make sure to sear it well. Cook it on medium-high heat. Do not crowd the pan. Give the chicken space to brown. - Overcooking the chicken Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for best results. - Neglecting to rest the chicken after cooking Resting the chicken is key. Let it sit for five minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist. - Skipping proper marination Marination enhances flavor. Do not skip this step. At least 30 minutes is best, but two hours gives even better taste. - Recommended cookware A large skillet works best for this recipe. Choose one that heats evenly. Non-stick pans help prevent sticking. - Utensils for marinating Use a whisk for mixing the marinade. A resealable plastic bag or shallow dish helps with marinating the chicken. - Tools for checking doneness A meat thermometer is essential. It ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked. You can also use a fork to check if the juices run clear. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for turkey or pork. Turkey works well with this glaze. Use the same marinade and cooking method. For pork, try using tenderloin or chops. Cook pork until it reaches 145°F (63°C). Both options give a tasty twist to this dish. If you prefer a plant-based meal, try tofu or tempeh. Slice them into thick pieces, then marinate them like the chicken. Cook them in the same way to get a nice glaze. This way, everyone can enjoy the flavors of apple cider. To make the dish more exciting, add spices. Paprika gives a nice smoky taste, while cayenne adds heat. Try adding a pinch of both for a balanced flavor. You can also experiment with herbs. Rosemary and sage add earthy notes that pair well with apple cider. Seasonal fruits also work great. Try adding sliced apples or pears to the glaze for extra sweetness. These fruits not only enhance the flavor, but they also add a fun twist to the dish. This chicken dish pairs well with many sides. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and crunch. You can also serve a fresh salad with greens and nuts for a light option. For grains, try serving it with rice or quinoa. Both soak up the glaze nicely. Mashed potatoes also make a comforting side. Each option complements the sweet, tangy flavors of the chicken. Feel free to check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this delicious dish. Store any leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This will help avoid moisture build-up. To reheat chicken, use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate and cover it. Heat in short bursts until warm. If using an oven, warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. You can freeze Apple Cider Glazed Chicken safely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight. You can also cook it straight from frozen. Just add extra cooking time. For the full recipe, check the details on how to make this dish delicious! You can use apple juice as a substitute for apple cider. It gives a sweet flavor. Another option is white wine vinegar mixed with water. This mix adds acidity but alters the taste a bit. If you want a tangy kick, try using pomegranate juice. Each substitute changes the flavor. Apple juice is sweeter, while vinegar adds sharpness. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to sink in. For a stronger flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours. Longer times can make the chicken tough due to the acid in the marinade. Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time. Marinate it and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. For best taste, eat within three days. You can reheat it in the oven or on the stove for a juicy result. Some classic side dishes are mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice. You can also pair it with a fresh salad. Seasonal sides like baked apples or sautéed greens work well too. These pairings enhance the meal's flavors and add variety to your plate. Apple cider glazed chicken is tasty and simple. We covered key ingredients and how to marinate, cook, and prepare the glaze. I shared tips for perfect results and how to avoid common mistakes. You can try different proteins and enhance flavors for variety. Use the storage and reheating tips to enjoy leftovers. With these steps, you can create a delicious meal that impresses. Enjoy making and sharing this easy recipe with family and friends.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Delight your taste buds with this irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a savory blend of apple cider, honey, and Dijon mustard, then cooked to perfection for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Click to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delectable chicken dinner!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup apple cider

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon thyme leaves (fresh or dried)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prep the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

      Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

        Prepare the Glaze: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and thickened slightly.

          Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, turning it in the glaze to coat it well. Allow it to cook in the glaze for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavor.

            Serve: Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with your choice of sides.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4