Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt – it’s an INSANE dish that’s going to cause serious food jealousy. This recipe is a revolutionary twist on a classic, and it’s going to have you devouring every last bite. So let’s get started on this epic culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt is the ultimate comfort food that’s been taken to the next level. The sweet and tangy apple cider glaze perfectly complements the savory bacon and juicy chicken, creating a mouthwatering explosion of flavors in every bite. Plus, with its irresistible melty cheese topping, this dish is guaranteed to be a massive hit with your family and friends. It’s a sensational recipe that will have you craving more after the very first taste!
Ingredients
To make this incredible Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt, you’ll need a few simple, yet high-impact ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which we’ll be simmering in a delectable apple cider glaze. You’ll also need crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a few other pantry staples to bring this epic dish together.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 slices of bacon – Cooked until crispy
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese – Or your favorite melty variety
- 1 cup of apple cider – The perfect sweet and tangy base for the glaze
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar – To balance the acidity of the cider
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – For savory depth
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika – To add a touch of smoky warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste – Because no dish is complete without these classic seasonings
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap the chicken for pork or turkey if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Apple Cider: Don’t have apple cider? No problem! You can use orange juice or even a combination of fruit juices instead.
How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt
Alright, y’all, let’s get this epic recipe underway! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, so let’s get started.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s preheat the oven to 375°F and get our ingredients ready. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, cook the bacon until crispy, and shred the cheese. Now, we’re ready to get this party started!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, sauté the chicken in a bit of oil until it’s golden brown on the outside but still slightly undercooked in the middle. This is where the magic begins, y’all! Pour in the apple cider, brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, and let the mixture simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a delectable glaze. Warning: This dish is about to cause serious food jealousy!
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, it’s time to take this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt to the next level. Transfer the glazed chicken to a baking dish, top it with the crispy bacon and shredded cheese, and pop it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is where the flavors are about to explode in your mouth – life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To really wow your taste buds, you can garnish this dish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will make this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt an absolute showstopper!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up!: Add some diced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
- Cheese, please!: Switch up the cheese for a different melty variety, like provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Fruit Juice Swap: Try using orange juice or pineapple juice instead of apple cider for a unique twist on the glaze.
- Healthier Swap: Use leaner chicken breast, turkey bacon, and low-fat cheese to make this dish a bit more figure-friendly.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance, assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. Just pop it in the oven when you need it!
Nutrition Information
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with protein, healthy fats, and a touch of natural sweetness from the apple cider. Each serving contains 450 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 20g of carbs.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of juice instead of apple cider?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute the apple cider for orange juice, pineapple juice, or even a combination of fruit juices. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
How do I make this dish healthier?
To make this Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt a bit more health-conscious, you can try using leaner chicken breast, turkey bacon, and low-fat cheese. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the glaze or opt for a sugar-free alternative.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this dish in advance! Simply assemble the glazed chicken, bacon, and cheese in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen.
What can I serve with this dish?
The possibilities are endless! This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a side of creamy mashed potatoes. Get creative and let your taste buds lead the way!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! This dish is sure to be a hit with the little ones. The sweet and savory flavors, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon are guaranteed to make it a family favorite. Just be sure to adjust the spice level to suit their taste buds.
Try These Next
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon And Apple Brie Bites
- Maple Whiskey Glazed Chicken Wings With Spicy Honey Drizzle
- Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole With Creamy Sauce
Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Bacon Melt is a savory delight with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a sweet apple cider glaze. Perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 burger buns
– Lettuce and tomato for topping
Instructions
1.
2. – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. – In the same skillet, heat olive oil and add chicken breasts. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned.
5. – Pour the apple cider over the chicken, then cover the skillet and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. – Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes.
7. – Place the chicken on the bottom half of the burger buns, top with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
8. – Broil the assembled melts in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. – Serve with lettuce and tomato on top, and enjoy!
10.
Notes
– For a spicier kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top of the melts.
– You can substitute the apple cider with apple juice for a similar flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Baking & Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg