Description
Sizzling apple cider glazed chicken brings a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine. Juicy chicken breasts get a tangy-sweet coating that turns ordinary meals into something special, making your family eagerly gather around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Main Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Supporting Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Garnish:
- Thinly sliced apples
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet at 375°F. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken to a clean plate. Keep skillet on medium heat and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour 1 cup apple cider into the skillet. Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon thyme, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.
- Simmer the glaze for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for the liquid to reduce and become slightly thickened and glossy.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon glaze over each piece to coat thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat. Drizzle extra glaze over chicken and garnish with thinly sliced apples or fresh thyme leaves.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Choose a high-quality apple cider with deep flavor for the most robust glaze, preferably from a local orchard or craft producer.
- For a gluten-free version, replace Dijon mustard with a gluten-free brand and ensure your apple cider is certified gluten-free.
- When reducing the glaze, stir frequently to prevent burning and achieve a glossy, rich consistency that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg