Cider Basted Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful apple cider marinade, infused with ginger and soy, perfect for a savory and slightly sweet main dish that appeals to all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine apple cider, soy sauce, olive oil, sugar, and ground ginger to make the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture overnight, turning occasionally.
- Pour off the marinade and reserve it for basting.
- Arrange the chicken in a baking pan and bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade every 10 minutes during baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 8 hours; overnight is ideal. If you're out of apple cider, you can substitute with apple juice or white wine vinegar mixed with water. To enhance the marinade, consider adding minced garlic or a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Make sure to baste generously during baking to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cider basted chicken with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Garlic-Studded Pork Loin With Potatoes And Carrots for a hearty dinner spread. You could also serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful marinade, making it a perfect family-friendly dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, basting with additional marinade if desired. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cider Basted Chicken contains roughly 99 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1037mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but adjust the cooking time to about 40-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Bone-in chicken will add more flavor but requires a longer baking time.
What can I serve with cider basted chicken?
Cider basted chicken pairs well with sides like steamed green beans or a light quinoa salad. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of sautéed spinach for a complete meal. For a more festive touch, consider a fruit salsa.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).