Description
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of fresh apple cider, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme. Pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a luscious apple cider glaze, it’s a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory notes for a delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the apple cider, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Make the Glaze: Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily. Pour the remaining marinade into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it reduce and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Simmer the Chicken in Glaze: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them well with the thickened glaze. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for three minutes to retain juices. Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the apple cider glaze for a delicious, balanced dish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than one hour will enhance the flavor even more.
- Use fresh apple cider instead of apple juice for a more authentic flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the marinade longer until it reaches desired consistency.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
