Apple Honey Glazed Chicken

Introduction

If you’re looking for a sweet, tangy, and savory dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Apple Honey Glazed Chicken is the perfect choice! The combination of juicy chicken, caramelized honey, and fresh apples creates a mouthwatering glaze that’s both comforting and delicious.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a special family meal, or a fall-inspired feast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s versatile—bake it, grill it, or pan-sear it to suit your preference!

Follow along for step-by-step instructions and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Honey Glazed Chicken

This Apple Honey Glazed Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen:

✔ Perfect Balance of Sweet & Savory – The combination of honey, fresh apples, and a touch of spices creates an irresistible glaze that coats each bite beautifully.

✔ Quick & Easy to Make – With simple pantry staples and a fuss-free cooking process, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

✔ Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a meal prep favorite, or a special holiday dish, this recipe fits every occasion.

✔ Versatile Cooking Methods – Bake it, grill it, or pan-sear it depending on your preference—each method delivers delicious results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Apple Honey Glazed Chicken, you’ll need simple pantry staples that bring out the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

For the Chicken:

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender bites.

For the Apple Honey Glaze:

• ¼ cup honey – Adds natural sweetness and caramelization.
• 1 large apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced – Brings a fresh, fruity depth.
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar – Enhances tanginess and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar – Helps create a rich, sticky glaze.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Adds a hint of umami and depth.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – Provides subtle spice and enhances flavor complexity.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Infuses a bold, aromatic kick.

Seasonings:

• ½ tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Adds a mild heat.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika – Gives a hint of smokiness.

Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:

• Fresh rosemary or thyme – Adds an herby aroma and earthiness.
• A pinch of cinnamon – Complements the apple’s natural sweetness.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 servings

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Key Features of This Recipe

A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

This Apple Honey Glazed Chicken combines the natural sweetness of honey and fresh apples with the deep umami of soy sauce and Dijon mustard. The result? A sticky, flavorful glaze that coats tender, juicy chicken perfectly.

Quick and Easy – Ready in 35 Minutes

With only 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup!

Versatile and Meal-Prep Friendly

Whether you’re baking, pan-searing, or grilling, this recipe adapts well to your preferred cooking method. Leftovers store beautifully and make great meal-prep lunches for the week.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 22g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fiber: 2g

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Honey Glazed Chicken

Step 1 – Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash and pat dry the chicken to remove excess moisture for better browning.
• Slice the apples into thin wedges or rounds for even cooking.
• In a bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients:
  • Honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
  • Stir until well combined and set aside.

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Step 2 – Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Sear the Chicken (for a Crispy, Golden Crust)

• Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then reduce heat.

Option 2: Bake in the Oven (for a Hands-Off Approach)

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place seasoned chicken in a lightly greased baking dish.
• Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness.

Option 3: Grill (for a Smoky, Caramelized Flavor)

• Preheat the grill to medium heat (375-400°F).
• Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once.

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Step 3 – Add the Apple Honey Glaze

• Once the chicken is partially cooked, pour the prepared glaze over it.
• Lower the heat and let the glaze simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes, flipping the chicken occasionally for even coating.
• Add sliced apples to the pan in the last few minutes to absorb the glaze’s flavors.

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Step 4 – Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh apple slices and rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a crisp salad.
• Drizzle extra glaze over the chicken before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Honey Glazed Chicken

Use Fresh Apples for Natural Sweetness and Acidity

• Opt for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a balanced sweetness.
• If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples work well.
• Fresh apples not only enhance flavor but also add a subtle crispness to the dish.

Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor

• For the best flavor absorption, marinate the chicken in a mix of honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard for at least 30 minutes.
• If time allows, let it marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
• Always marinate in the refrigerator to keep the chicken fresh and safe.

Let the Glaze Reduce for a Rich, Caramelized Texture

• Simmer the glaze on low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
• Avoid high heat, as honey can burn quickly—keep an eye on it!
• If the glaze is too thick, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Pair with the Perfect Sides for a Complete Meal

• This dish pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• For a lighter option, serve with a fresh arugula or kale salad.
• Add a glass of apple cider or a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) to complement the flavors.

FAQs – Apple Honey Glazed Chicken Recipe

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• Coffee Loophole Recipe – A bold coffee blend that gives you an energizing boost, perfect for your morning routine or a midday pick-me-up.

Conclusion

Apple Honey Glazed Chicken is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory elements in perfect harmony. With just a few pantry staples and fresh apples, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you choose to sear, bake, or grill, this recipe guarantees a juicy and caramelized finish every time.

Give it a try, and experience the rich, honey-glazed goodness for yourself! We’d love to see your delicious creations—snap a photo and share it on Instagram with #BeesRecipes.

Looking for more sweet and savory chicken recipes? Check out our Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers for another irresistible dish!