Apple cider glazed chicken has become my absolute go-to for a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making it; the aroma of the sweet, tangy glaze simmering while the chicken baked alongside tender sweet potatoes was pure bliss. It’s such an easy apple cider glazed chicken recipe to pull off, even on busy evenings. This oven baked apple cider chicken transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, with a sticky, delicious glaze that coats every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
- The taste is an incredible balance of sweet and savory, a true flavor explosion!
- It’s a wonderfully quick apple cider chicken dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal prep time means you can get this delicious meal on the table fast.
- It’s a healthier option, using wholesome ingredients for a satisfying meal.
- This dish is incredibly budget-friendly, making it a great staple for families.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore.
- This quick apple cider chicken dinner is sure to become a family favorite.
- Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a fantastic apple cider chicken sauce recipe. The chicken breasts are the star, absorbing all that delicious glaze. We’ve got the sweet and tangy base of apple cider, which is key to that signature flavor. Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, roast up beautifully alongside the chicken, becoming tender and slightly caramelized. Don’t forget the fresh rosemary – its piney aroma really elevates the whole dish. For the glaze itself, we’ll use Dijon mustard for a bit of bite, brown sugar for sweetness, and a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to round out the flavors. A touch of chicken broth adds moisture during baking, ensuring everything stays wonderfully tender.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups apple cider – the base for our delicious glaze
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – for a sweet, earthy side
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – to help the sweet potatoes roast
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary – for that aromatic, woodsy flavor
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard – adds a nice tang to the glaze
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – for a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – for moisture during baking
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Let’s get this delicious meal started! This recipe is straightforward, and the results are truly fantastic. Here’s exactly how to make this mouthwatering apple cider glazed chicken.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a medium bowl. In it, whisk together the 2 cups apple cider, 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. This mixture is the heart of our flavorful glaze!
- Step 2: Add the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bowl with the glaze mixture. Turn them to make sure they’re thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. If you have more time, cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours – the deeper flavor is worth it!
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare your sweet potatoes. In a separate bowl, toss the 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed, with 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated so they roast up beautifully.
- Step 4: Now it’s time to assemble. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Scatter the seasoned sweet potato cubes all around the chicken. This is where the magic starts to happen as everything roasts together.
- Step 5: Pour the 1/2 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish. This adds a little extra moisture during cooking, helping everything stay tender. Scatter the 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary over the chicken and sweet potatoes. The aroma as it bakes is incredible!
- Step 6: Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial steaming helps ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Step 7: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Continue baking for another 20-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and for the sweet potatoes to be fork-tender.
- Step 8: In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, it’s time to create that signature sticky glaze! Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken breasts. This basting step locks in that amazing apple cider flavor. This is truly how to make apple cider glazed chicken shine.
- Step 9: Once everything is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step for ensuring your chicken is incredibly juicy.
- Step 10: Serve your beautifully glazed chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzle any extra delicious glaze from the pan over the top. Enjoy this amazing apple cider chicken!
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Want to elevate your apple cider chicken experience? Follow these tips for guaranteed deliciousness every time:
- For the most flavorful glaze, use unfiltered apple cider; it has a richer taste.
- Don’t skip the resting period after baking! It’s essential for achieving that perfect juicy apple cider glazed chicken texture.
- Ensure your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken.
- Basting the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking is key to that beautiful, sticky glaze.
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
The secret lies in the glaze and the cooking method. Using a good quality apple cider, balancing the sweet and savory elements in the glaze, and allowing the chicken to rest after baking are crucial. This ensures a tender, moist result.
Can I make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken breasts in the glaze mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This deepens the flavor significantly. You can also chop the sweet potatoes and store them separately.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Also, don’t over-mix the marinade with the chicken, as this can affect the texture.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic comforting meal, I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice that can soak up any extra glaze. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. If you’re looking for something a bit more seasonal, consider serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts or a medley of fall vegetables. For a delightful combination, try pairing your apple cider chicken with apples; thinly sliced apples roasted alongside the chicken bring out an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that’s simply divine.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
This delicious Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe offers a satisfying meal with a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: N/A
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Leftovers of this delicious Apple Cider Glazed Chicken are just as wonderful as the first serving! Once your meal has cooled down completely, store any remaining chicken and sweet potatoes in an airtight container. You can keep this meal in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For those who like to plan ahead or want to have a healthy meal ready for busy days, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Storing leftovers makes it easy to enjoy a healthy apple cider glazed chicken option throughout the week.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of great options. For the best results, gently reheat the chicken and sweet potatoes in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to help reconstitute the glaze. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Microwaving is also an option, just be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
What is Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a dish where chicken, typically baked or pan-seared, is coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made primarily from apple cider, often reduced with ingredients like brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. It’s known for its tender meat and sticky, flavorful coating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are incredibly forgiving and tend to stay even juicier than breasts. You might need to increase the cooking time slightly, so always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What are the best apples to use for the cider?
While store-bought apple cider works wonderfully for this recipe, if you’re making your own, a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala provides a balanced flavor. Avoid overly tart apples like Granny Smith unless you plan to adjust the sweetness in the glaze.
How do I achieve a thicker glaze for my Apple Cider Glazed Chicken?
To get a thicker, stickier glaze, you can simmer the apple cider mixture for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken, allowing it to reduce and concentrate. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken and sweet potatoes during the last few minutes of baking and let the pan juices simmer uncovered on the stovetop until they reach your desired consistency, then spoon it back over the chicken.
Variations of Apple Cider Glazed Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up this delicious dish! For a different cooking method, try a pan-seared version of this apple cider chicken recipe. Sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides, then deglaze the pan with the apple cider glaze and let it simmer until reduced. If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider adding diced apples or pears to the baking dish alongside the chicken and sweet potatoes for an extra burst of sweetness. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze creates a wonderfully complex sweet and savory profile. You can also adapt this for different dietary needs, like using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option, or swapping brown sugar for a sugar substitute to make it a healthier choice.
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Apple Cider Glazed Chicken: Delicious Glazed 4 Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes and Rosemary is a flavorful and comforting dish. Tender chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze and baked alongside roasted sweet potatoes and aromatic rosemary.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a separate bowl, toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts in a large baking dish. Surround them with the seasoned sweet potatoes.
- Pour chicken broth into the baking dish to add moisture during cooking.
- Scatter fresh rosemary sprigs over the chicken and sweet potatoes for aromatic flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and sweet potatoes are tender.
- During the last 5-10 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the apple cider marinade to form a sticky glaze.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Plate the chicken alongside the roasted sweet potatoes, and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the baking dish.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cut into even cubes for consistent cooking.
- Experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage.
- Add sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness.
- For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Substitute brown sugar with honey for a different sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A