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Moist Apple Cider Chicken Breast for Easy Dinners
Youssef Hb

Moist Apple Cider Chicken Breast

Succulent chicken breasts glazed in a reduction of sweet orchard cider, paired with caramelized red apples and savory roasted Brussels sprouts. This efficient recipe utilizes a sear-and-braise technique to lock in moisture and flavor, offering an elegant yet easy dinner solution perfect for busy weeknights. The aromatic blend of rosemary and thyme brings an earthy, comforting profile to this healthy, balanced meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 crisp red apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and wedged
  • 1 large red onion, cut into 6 to 8 wedges
  • 1 3/4 cups pure apple cider
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and position racks in the upper and lower thirds.
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts, apple wedges, red onion, and rosemary sprigs with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
  3. Spread the vegetable mixture into a single layer and roast on the upper rack for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, and dried thyme.
  5. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  7. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, apple cider, and Dijon mustard to the skillet with the chicken, scraping up any browned bits.
  8. Simmer the sauce until thickened and cook the chicken until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F is reached.
  9. Serve the glazed chicken alongside the roasted vegetables and apple mixture.

Notes

Ensure you use pure apple cider rather than spiced apple juice or cocktail drinks to maintain the depth of flavor. For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness, pounding them slightly if necessary. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.