Apple Cider Glazed Chicken: A Perfect Fall Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is the quintessential fall dinner recipe—a sweet and savory dish that’s as comforting as a crisp evening around the fireplace. With tender, golden-browned chicken coated in a glossy apple cider glaze, this meal captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just looking for a seasonal twist on a classic favorite, this recipe delivers flavor and elegance with minimal fuss.

Why This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Stands Out

What truly sets this dish apart is the depth of its glaze: tangy apple cider, a splash of Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs meld together for a balanced sauce that clings beautifully to juicy chicken. The simplicity of preparation means all the flavors shine, making it a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or celebratory weekend meals alike.

Mastering the Apple Cider Glaze

The secret to the perfect glaze is patience. Let the apple cider reduce until syrupy—it intensifies the natural sweetness and allows the sauce to cling perfectly. A hint of Dijon brings zing, while a whisper of thyme or sage ties in an earthy fall note. Spoon the warm glaze over the chicken just before serving for a dish that’s aromatic and enticing.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Plate your chicken alongside roasted root vegetables, whipped sweet potatoes, or a simple green salad tossed with toasted pecans and cranberries. For a finishing touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a few thin apple slices. This presentation makes the meal as visually appealing as it is flavorful—a memorable centerpiece for any autumn evening.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four and provides a satisfying, well-balanced entrée. For each serving of glazed chicken (excluding sides), expect roughly 300 to 350 calories, depending on chicken cuts and glaze application. It’s a wholesome, nourishing meal with a naturally sweet, lower-fat profile.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken: A Fall Favorite (Recap)

With minimal ingredients and maximum fall flavor, Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is perfect for busy cooks and seasonal gatherings. The result: succulent chicken enveloped in a tangy-sweet glaze that brings autumn to your table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe on CookifyAI to instantly generate an organized shopping list—ingredients grouped by aisle for stress-free grocery runs and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and almost cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate; keep warm.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add butter, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey/maple syrup (if using) to the skillet. Whisk to combine and scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
4. Let the sauce simmer and reduce by half—it should thicken and become syrupy, which takes about 5–8 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the chicken and cook another 2–3 minutes, turning to thoroughly coat and allow the glaze to cling.
6. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or sage before serving. Serve hot, with your choice of fall-inspired sides.

Weekly Meal Planning

Planning this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken for a fall weeknight? Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI. You can plan the exact dinner night, and CookifyAI will aggregate your ingredient needs alongside other recipes—making your meal prep streamlined all week long.

Planning Benefits:

– Adds up total ingredients needed across all planned recipes
– Automatically generates and sorts your grocery list by store section
– Prevents duplicate buys and forgotten items
– Simplifies weeknight dinners and seasonal menu planning

Pro tip: Planning to roast root veggies later in the week? Schedule recipes together; CookifyAI will calculate the combined carrots or potatoes needed, so you shop once and cook smarter.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a perfect fall dinner that’s as easy to make as it is rewarding to eat!