Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken! This epic dish is a revolutionary take on classic roasted chicken, infusing it with the irresistible flavors of sweet apple cider, smoky bourbon, and warm fall spices. Prepare to smash taste buds and leave your guests in awe of this sensational, mouth-watering masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken
This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken is the ultimate culinary adventure that will have your taste buds begging for more. The combination of juicy, tender chicken, the explosive sweetness of apple cider, and the smooth, smoky kick of bourbon creates a flavor explosion that is simply out of this world. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg adds a touch of cozy, fall magic that will transport you straight to flavor paradise. This dish is a true showstopper that’s sure to make you the talk of the table and have your guests raving about your incredible cooking prowess.
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble the ultimate dream team of ingredients for this Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken. You’ll need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This insane combination of flavors is about to take your taste buds on a thrilling, mouth-watering adventure.
- 8-10 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – the key to juicy, flavorful chicken
- 2 cups apple cider – the sweet, tart star of the show
- 1/2 cup bourbon – for that smooth, smoky kick
- 1/4 cup brown sugar – to balance the acidity and add caramelized goodness
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – for a touch of tanginess
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – warm, cozy fall flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – adds depth and complexity
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – the secret ingredient that ties it all together
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Cuts: If you can’t find bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or a whole chicken instead. Just keep in mind that the bone-in, skin-on variety will result in the most juicy and flavorful dish.
- Apple Cider: For the apple cider, you can substitute apple juice or even hard cider. And if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the bourbon and use an extra splash of cider.
How to Make Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken
Alright, let’s get cooking and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken is a breeze to make, but the results are truly out of this world.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Sear the chicken skin-side down until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In the same pan, whisk together the apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Add the chicken back to the pan, basting it with the glaze. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, basting the chicken with the glaze every 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze has thickened.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Herb Addition: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
- Apple Variety: You can experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Side Dish Pairing: If you want to take this dish to the next level, consider serving it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the glaze.
- Alcohol Substitutions: If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with dark rum, brandy, or even red wine. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, but still incredibly delicious.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply sear the chicken, make the glaze, and assemble the dish. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through and the glaze has thickened again.
Nutrition Information
This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken is a flavor-packed, yet relatively healthy, option. A single serving contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. The combination of lean chicken, wholesome apple cider, and a touch of bourbon makes this dish a sensational and guilt-free indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken instead of bone-in, skin-on?
While you can use boneless, skinless chicken, the bone-in, skin-on variety will result in a more juicy and flavorful dish. The skin gets crispy and golden brown, while the bone-in chicken retains more moisture during the cooking process.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Simply sear the chicken, make the glaze, and assemble the dish. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven until warmed through and the glaze has thickened again.
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with dark rum, brandy, or even red wine. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different, but still incredibly delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. You can also check for visual cues, such as the juices running clear and the meat no longer appearing pink.
Can I make this dish in the slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker or Instant Pot. For the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the chicken, then add the remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 25-30 minutes.
Try These Next
- Harvest Moon Burger With Apple Cider Glaze
- Bourbon Glazed Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bites
- Whiskey Maple Glazed Bacon And Apple Brie Bites
Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Harvest Apple Cider Bourbon Glazed Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will warm up your dinner table. The apple cider and bourbon create a delicious glaze that enhances the taste of the chicken, making it a delightful dish for any gathering.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
3. 2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
4. 3. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
5. 4. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
6. 5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
7. 6. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. 7. Pour the glaze over the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
9. 8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve with your favorite sides.
10.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the apple cider and bourbon mixture for a few hours before cooking.
You can also substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 🥃 BOOZE INFUSION
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg