Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe with friends because it manages to hit all those cozy, comforting notes without any fuss. The balance of savory chicken paired with the crisp sweetness of apples glazed in a tangy apple cider reduction is just something that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whenever I whip this up, it instantly reminds me of crisp autumn afternoons and family dinners filled with laughter.

You’ll find that this recipe works beautifully any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes fancy but is surprisingly simple to cook, making it perfect for weeknights or a casual weekend gathering. Plus, the apple cider glaze adds a subtle depth of flavor that I haven’t been able to replicate with anything else — it’s truly special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a dish bursting with flavor and warmth. I’ll share a few tips on picking the best options to make sure your dish turns out amazing.

• Chicken (cut up or breasts/thighs): I often use bone-in thighs for moisture, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Dried thyme: Adds earthiness; if you only have fresh thyme, it’s fine to use more.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best taste, but any light cooking oil will do.
• Butter: The secret to that rich, golden sear on the chicken.
• Shallots (thinly sliced): They add a sweet, mild onion flavor that complements the apples nicely.
• Apples (Roma, Gala, Fuji, or Honey Crisp): Choose firm but ripe apples for the perfect texture and sweetness.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Used during cooking to infuse the sauce with fresh herb aroma.
• Apple cider: The star of the glaze; makes the dish uniquely flavorful.
• Chicken stock: Adds depth and helps build the sauce consistency.
• Soy sauce: Balances sweetness with a hint of umami.
• Dry mustard powder: Gives the glaze a gentle tang and complexity.
• Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish): Adds color and a fresh herbal note when serving.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you should feel free to do the same. A little customization can make this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe your own signature dish.

• Using Different Apples: I discovered this trick when I swapped Gala for Honey Crisp, which gave the sauce a sweeter flair that my family adored.
• Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze for a subtle heat that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.
• Vegetarian Version: You can replace chicken with firm tofu or seitan and simmer gently in the apple cider glaze for a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free Adjustments: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I like to be generous here because this is where the base flavor starts. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and butter together. Once they’re hot and shimmering (but not smoking!), add the chicken and sear it on both sides until beautifully browned. It usually takes about 4-5 minutes per side. You’ll want a nice golden crust – it’s totally worth the extra few minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside; don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet, it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Shallots and Apples

In the same pan, add the thinly sliced shallots and sauté for about 1 minute until they start to soften. Next, toss in your sliced apples and fresh thyme sprigs. I love using Roma apples for a tart contrast but feel free to pick your favorite variety. Let them sauté together for a few more minutes—this step brings out the apples’ natural sweetness and warms the thyme aroma, which is just gorgeous.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Glaze

Pour the apple cider into the pan to deglaze — this means scraping up all those tasty brown bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. This little trick packs a ton of flavor into your glaze. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, whisk together the chicken stock, soy sauce, and dry mustard powder in a small bowl. Pour this into the pan, then nestle the chicken back in alongside the apples and liquid. Reduce the heat and let everything simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze and the chicken is cooked through (using a meat thermometer, look for 165ºF). If the sauce thins too fast, I add a splash more chicken stock to keep it perfect.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked and the glaze has thickened, turn the pieces in the sauce to coat thoroughly. Then transfer your chicken to a serving platter. Don’t forget to remove and discard the thyme sprigs from the pan before seasoning the sauce with extra salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the apple slices over the chicken, drizzle the luscious glaze on top, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect combo of warm, saucy chicken and tender apples.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh thyme leaves because the bright green spots add freshness and a lovely herbal note. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds crunch and a nutty layer that my family can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up that amazing glaze. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans make a perfect bright, crisp contrast that rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken family-style on a large platter garnished with thyme sprigs and arrange the apples artistically around the pieces. Using a cast iron skillet for serving keeps the dish warm and adds rustic charm that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the chicken stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days. Make sure you keep the apple cider glaze and chicken together to maintain that saucy magic.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with good success. Just cool it completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers. When thawed and reheated gently, the glaze might separate slightly, but a good stir will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken over low heat in a skillet, spooning the glaze over to keep it moist and shiny. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to dry the chicken out and dull the glaze.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken & Apples Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s as satisfying to eat as it is simple to prepare. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a recipe that brings a little bit of magic to everyday dinners. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become a regular in your rotation too!

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