Apple Cider Chicken Recipe – Tender, Flavorful Fall Dinner
Introduction
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, it’s time to embrace the flavors of autumn with our delectable Apple Cider Chicken. This easy apple cider chicken recipe spiced honey glazed chicken cozy fall dinner ideas apple cider chicken chicken dinner fall dinner is the perfect way to warm up on chilly evenings. The tantalizing aroma of spiced cider and honey will fill your kitchen, making this dish a true comfort food experience.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with autumnal flavors. The tender chicken, glazed with a sweet and savory apple cider reduction, is not only delicious but also gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
Ingredients List
◾ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
◾ 2 cups apple cider
◾ 1/4 cup honey
◾ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
◾ 2 tablespoons olive oil
◾ 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
◾ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
◾ 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
◾ Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
◾ 2 apples, cored and sliced
◾ 1 red onion, sliced
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This ensures a nice sear and helps the seasoning adhere better. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Create the Apple Cider Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This aromatic mixture will become the base of our glaze, infusing the chicken with the essence of fall.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Apples and Onions
In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and red onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize, absorbing all the flavors left in the pan from the chicken.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the apples and onions. Pour the apple cider mixture over everything. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Reduce the Sauce
Remove the chicken, apples, and onions from the skillet. Increase the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until it reduces and thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Place the chicken back in the skillet, spooning the glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot, surrounded by the glazed apples and onions.
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 380 per serving
◾ Protein: 35g
◾ Carbohydrates: 35g
◾ Fat: 12g
◾ Fiber: 3g
◾ Sugar: 28g
Calories per Person
Each serving of Apple Cider Chicken contains approximately 380 calories, making it a satisfying yet relatively light main course.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe even healthier, consider these alternatives:
◾ Use skinless chicken thighs for a leaner option
◾ Substitute part of the honey with a natural sweetener like stevia
◾ Increase the vegetable content by adding roasted brussels sprouts or butternut squash
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cider Chicken pairs beautifully with:
◾ Roasted sweet potatoes
◾ Quinoa pilaf
◾ Steamed green beans with almonds
◾ A crisp autumn salad with pears and walnuts
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness
◾ Using cold chicken straight from the refrigerator, which can affect cooking time
◾ Skipping the searing step, which adds depth of flavor
◾ Not reducing the sauce enough, resulting in a thin glaze
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Apple Cider Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of apple cider to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook through.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Apple Cider Chicken reheats well and can be prepared in advance for busy weeknights.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sear the chicken first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well as they hold their shape during cooking and balance the sweetness of the cider.
Conclusion
This Apple Cider Chicken recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, bringing warmth and comfort to your dinner table. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, sweet apples, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, embrace the season and treat yourself to this delightful easy apple cider chicken recipe spiced honey glazed chicken cozy fall dinner ideas apple cider chicken chicken dinner fall dinner.
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
