Description
Discover a juicy, flavorful Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken with a perfect balance of sweet and savory taste. This simple recipe transforms everyday chicken into a mouthwatering centerpiece with a beautiful glazed finish, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Whole Chicken (about 4 pounds)
- Apple Cider Vinegar (natural) – 1/2 cup
- Honey (natural) – 1/4 cup
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural) – 2 tablespoons
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic Cloves – 4, whole
- Fresh Thyme – 4 sprigs
- Salt – 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Ground Mustard – 1/2 teaspoon
- Natural Gelling Agent – 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the whole chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin when roasting. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, onion powder, and ground mustard. Tuck fresh thyme and garlic cloves inside the cavity for infused flavors as it roasts.
- Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, and a pinch of natural gelling agent if you prefer a thicker glaze. This mixture will bring a perfect balance of tangy sweetness with umami depth.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a pan to allow even heat circulation. Roast for about 45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the glaze mixture to build layers of flavor and a shiny coat.
- Finish with a Final Glaze and Rest: After the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), apply a final generous coating of the glaze. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to keep it juicy and tender.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning for the best crispy skin.
- Baste in regular intervals to keep the glaze building beautifully on the skin.
- Resting lets juices redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful.
- Fresh thyme adds an aromatic layer unmatched by dried versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, roasted chicken, apple cider vinegar glaze, juicy roasted chicken, flavorful chicken recipe, gluten free chicken
