If you are on the lookout for a dish that combines cozy, comforting flavors with just the right zing of autumn sweetness, the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious glaze made from fresh apples and tangy apple cider, creating a harmony of flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging yourself, this dish promises to be a memorable centerpiece that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe plays a vital role, not only adding depth of flavor but also contributing to the vibrant colors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From herbs to fresh apples, each element is simple yet essential.
- 4 cut-up chickens, or 16 chicken breasts, or 24 chicken thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy chicken.
- 2 tsp dried thyme: Adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential to enhance all the savory flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps brown onions and apples beautifully.
- 8 shallots, thinly sliced: Bring a delicate sweetness and softness that melts into the glaze.
- 12 apples (Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Roma), sliced: Infuse the sauce with natural fruit sweetness and a bit of tartness.
- 12 sprigs fresh thyme: Fresh herb aroma that brightens the dish.
- 4 cups apple cider: The star ingredient for the glaze, bringing vibrant apple flavor and a hint of acidity.
- 3 cups chicken stock: Adds savory depth and keeps the chicken succulent while cooking.
- 4 tsp soy sauce: Enhances umami and balances the sweetness with a salty kick.
- 2 tsp dry mustard powder: Provides a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish: Adds a final touch of fresh color and aroma.
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning all the chicken pieces generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme. This initial step ensures every bite is packed with flavor throughout, laying the foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter in large skillets or in batches over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear them until they develop a gorgeous golden crust on both sides. This not only locks in juices but also creates flavorful browning that enriches the glaze later. Remove the browned chicken and set aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Shallots and Apples
In the same pans, cook the thinly sliced shallots until they turn soft and translucent, soaking up all the delicious browned bits left behind by the chicken. Then add the sliced apples and fresh thyme sprigs, sautéing briefly to marry the scents and textures before introducing the liquids.
Step 4: Build the Glaze Sauce
Pour in the apple cider, chicken stock, soy sauce, and sprinkle dry mustard powder into the pan. Stir everything well, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom. These liquids will soon transform into the irresistible glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer to Tenderness
Return the seared chicken to the pans, nestling the pieces gently among the sautéed apples. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through while soaking in the tangy, sweet, and savory notes of the glaze.
Step 6: Thicken the Glaze
Remove the cover and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. This step reduces the sauce, concentrating flavors and thickening it into the perfect glossy glaze that will cling to each piece of chicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As a final flourish, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the glazed chicken before serving. This burst of green freshens the look and aroma, bringing the dish full circle.
How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To complement the apple cider glaze, fresh thyme leaves are a natural choice for garnish. Their herbal brightness contrasts the sweet glaze beautifully while adding vibrant color. You can also add thin apple slices or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for visual appeal and a slight peppery kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the luscious glaze perfectly. For something lighter with texture, try wild rice or a crusty artisan bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad make excellent companions too, balancing the meal with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider plating the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta or nestled alongside caramelized onions and sautéed greens. Serving in rustic cast iron pans at the table adds charm and keeps everything warm. For a dinner party, portion the chicken with apple slices fanned on the side for a sophisticated look that delights both the eye and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Apple Cider Glazed Chicken into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a tasty meal the next day. Be sure to keep the glaze and chicken together to maintain moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Place chicken and glaze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen Apple Cider Glazed Chicken can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken with the glaze in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken stock or apple cider can refresh the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, warming in the oven covered with foil at 325°F until heated through works perfectly while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Apples like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Roma work wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with whatever apples you prefer or have on hand. Just keep in mind their sweetness or tartness will slightly influence the glaze flavor.
Is it necessary to use chicken thighs, or can I use breast meat only?
You can use all chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or thighs for more juiciness and richness. This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is flexible and delicious regardless of the cut you choose.
Can I substitute apple cider with something else?
While fresh apple cider is key to that signature flavor, you can substitute with apple juice mixed with a splash of lemon juice or white wine. However, the taste won’t be quite as robust or complex as using real cider.
How thick should the glaze be when finished?
The glaze should be syrupy and coat the back of a spoon nicely. Simmer uncovered towards the end until it reduces enough to cling to the chicken, but not so thick that it becomes sticky or overly dense.
Is this dish suitable for entertaining guests?
Yes! The Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe is impressive yet straightforward, making it ideal for dinner parties and family gatherings. It brings seasonal charm with stunning flavors that are sure to impress everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
For anyone craving that perfect balance of savory and sweet, the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe truly delivers. It’s cozy enough for everyday dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your repertoire forever. Give it a try and watch as your kitchen fills with warmth and your guests ask for seconds!
Print
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, sweet, and tangy apple cider glaze with shallots, fresh thyme, and aromatic seasonings. This comforting meal is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, wild rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 cut-up chickens, or 16 chicken breasts, or 24 chicken thighs
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Vegetables and Fruits
- 8 shallots, thinly sliced
- 12 apples (Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Roma), sliced
- 12 sprigs fresh thyme
Liquids and Flavorings
- 4 cups apple cider
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 4 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp dry mustard powder
Garnish
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season all chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried thyme to prepare for cooking.
- Sear the chicken: In large skillets or batches, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook shallots and apples: In the same pans, add the sliced shallots and cook until they are soft and translucent. Add the sliced apples along with the fresh thyme sprigs and sauté briefly to combine flavors.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in apple cider, chicken stock, soy sauce, and sprinkle in dry mustard powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients, deglazing the pan and creating the base for the glaze.
- Simmer the chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pans, nestling them into the apples and liquid. Cover the pans and let the chicken simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the glaze: Remove the cover and continue simmering the mixture uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps to reduce and thicken the glaze, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Garnish the glazed chicken with fresh thyme leaves. Serve the dish hot over mashed potatoes, wild rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Roma for best texture.
- Use chicken thighs or breasts according to your preference; thighs provide juicier meat while breasts cook faster.
- Simmering with the lid on helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end if necessary.
- This dish pairs excellently with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy wild rice to soak up the glaze.
