Every forkful of this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken feels like the warm embrace of fall itself. Tender, boneless chicken breasts are lovingly seared to a golden-brown perfection, then bathed in a luscious glaze that marries the sweet brightness of apple cider and honey with the gentle tang of Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Ground cinnamon adds a cozy spice note, while minced garlic brings savory depth. By the time you’ve drizzled that glistening sauce over each piece, you’re left with a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant—ideal for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. Enthusiastic home cooks will love how effortlessly this recipe comes together, and kitchen newcomers will appreciate the clear, beginner-friendly steps.
This dish not only captures the essence of autumn in every bite, it’s ready in under an hour from start to finish—just 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a 5-minute rest before serving. With only around 350 calories per serving, it’s a delightful way to indulge without overdoing it. As the glaze simmers and thickens in your skillet, imagine pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted squash to soak up every last drop. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner for two or hosting friends, this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken delivers sweet, tangy, and savory notes that invite conversation, smiles, and requests for seconds.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients that make this recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and ensuring your chicken turns out juicy, aromatic, and irresistibly glazed.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These lean cuts absorb the glaze beautifully while searing up with a golden crust. They’re the perfect “canvas” for all those sweet-and-tangy flavors.
- Apple cider
This naturally sweet and slightly tart liquid forms the base of our glaze. It adds fruity depth and a touch of autumn romance.
- Apple cider vinegar
Just a splash heightens the tang factor and balances the sweetness, giving the glaze a bright, complex edge.
- Honey
Pure honey enriches the sauce with a velvety sweetness and helps achieve that glossy, clingy texture that coats each chicken breast.
- Dijon mustard
With its subtle kick and creamy consistency, Dijon helps emulsify the glaze and adds a gentle tang that keeps every bite interesting.
- Ground cinnamon
A dash of warm cinnamon brings out the apple notes and provides a cozy, comforting aroma that’s quintessentially fall.
- Garlic (minced)
Fresh garlic delivers a savory backbone, cutting through sweetness and enhancing overall depth.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasoning that amplifies the natural flavors of the chicken and the glaze.
- Olive oil
This heart-healthy fat prevents sticking, helps you get that golden sear, and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Butter
A little pat of butter swirled into the finished glaze enriches the sauce, giving it a silky mouthfeel and luxurious shine.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
Garnishing with thyme adds a fragrant, herbal finish that complements the apple and cinnamon notes.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN
Let’s move on to the heart of the recipe—cooking. These step-by-step instructions will guide you through searing the chicken to perfection, creating the glaze, and finishing everything in a single skillet so you end up with maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Get ready to revel in that beautiful, sticky apple cider sauce coating each chicken breast!
1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Set them aside on a plate to let the seasoning settle while you prepare the glaze.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and minced garlic. This mixture will transform into your glaze—keep your whisk moving until the ingredients are fully combined and silky smooth.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear them without moving for about 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a deep golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a clean plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared glaze into the same skillet. Stir gently and let it simmer until it thickens and coats the back of your spoon, about 5–7 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and brings the sauce to the perfect consistency.
5. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling each piece into the glaze. Reduce heat to low and spoon the thickened sauce over the chicken. Let everything cook together for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Add the butter to the skillet and, using a gentle swirling motion, allow it to melt and incorporate into the sauce. This step adds a glossy finish and rich depth.
7. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy and allows the juices to redistribute.
8. Plate the chicken breasts, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides for a memorable meal.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN
Whether you’re impressing guests or enjoying a quiet family dinner, how you present this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken can elevate the entire experience. Here are four creative ideas to make your meal truly shine:
- Rustic Roasted Vegetables
Toss heirloom carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until caramelized. The earthy sweetness of the veggies pairs beautifully with the tangy glaze.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Whip Yukon Gold potatoes with a splash of cream and a pat of butter until silky smooth. Spoon the apple cider glaze over the potatoes to create a swirled, restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Wild Rice Pilaf
Cook a blend of wild rice with sautéed onions, garlic, and a handful of toasted pecans. The nutty texture contrasts the juicy chicken, and the pilaf soaks up any extra sauce perfectly.
- Crisp Green Salad
Assemble mixed greens with thinly sliced apples, crumbled goat cheese, and candied walnuts. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, sticky chicken.
HOW TO STORE APPLE CIDER GLAZED CHICKEN
Preserving the sweet-and-sour magic of this dish is easier than you might think. Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay tender and flavorful, whether you’re enjoying them the next day or savoring them later in the week.
- Refrigerator Storage
Place cooled chicken and any extra glaze in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Freezer-Friendly Packs
For longer storage, divide chicken pieces into freezer-safe bags, pouring in a little extra glaze to keep them moist. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Gentle Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, warm them in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or apple cider over low heat. This revives the sauce’s consistency without drying out the chicken.
- Repurposing Leftovers
Slice the chilled chicken and use it as a protein boost in salads, sandwiches, or wraps. The lingering apple-cinnamon notes add an unexpected twist to everyday meals.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken to your table means savoring the very best of fall flavors—sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced—without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a dinner that looks and tastes gourmet but remains perfectly approachable for home cooks of any skill level. Remember, this is a beginner-friendly recipe that takes only about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your next seasonal menu planning session. You can also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you decide to give this glazed chicken a try—or if you put your own spin on the spice blend—let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your comments, questions, or feedback. Happy cooking, and here’s to making delicious memories one savory bite at a time!
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken
Description
This succulent chicken dish is coated with a luscious glaze of apple cider, honey, and spices, creating a symphony of flavors that's perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and minced garlic. This will be the glaze mixture.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until they're golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and pour in the glaze mixture. Stir and let it simmer until it thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and coat each piece generously with the apple cider glaze. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken cook in the glaze for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Add the butter to the skillet, and gently swirl the pan to melt and incorporate it into the sauce for added richness.
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
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Serve the apple cider glazed chicken hot, drizzling extra glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Note
- This dish pairs beautifully with autumnal sides like roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes.
- For a punch of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the glaze.
- Consider marinating the chicken in half of the glaze for a few hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Leftovers can be repurposed into a delicious sandwich or salad topping the next day.
