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, then seared and simmered to perfection in a luscious cider glaze. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, combining savory and sweet flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh apple cider
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 garlic cloves, minced

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the fresh apple cider, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh thyme leaves to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least one hour to absorb the flavors deeply.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This seals in the juices and adds depth of flavor.
Boil the Marinade: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Let it reduce and thicken for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Simmer Chicken in Glaze: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the thickened glaze. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for three minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and tender bite. Serve the glazed chicken breasts with your choice of sides, drizzling any remaining glaze over the top.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but no more than 4 hours to prevent the acid in the cider from breaking down the meat too much.
If fresh apple cider is not available, substitute with unsweetened apple juice.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the sweet and savory glaze.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
Leftover chicken with glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg