Description
Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken offers tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy glaze made from natural apple cider vinegar and a fragrant blend of herbs and spices. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing warmth, moisture, and balanced flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds), fresh quality
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze
- 1/2 cup natural apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
Optional Variations
- Pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
- Thyme or sage in place of rosemary for herb blend variation
- Maple syrup (natural) instead of brown sugar for a sweet twist
- Reduced salt and low-sodium vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) for low-sodium option
- Dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously inside and out with sea salt and black pepper. Lightly coat the entire chicken with olive oil to help the spices adhere and create a golden crust during roasting.
- Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, combine natural apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (natural), minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), onion powder (natural), and chopped fresh rosemary leaves. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth and fragrant.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken on a roasting rack inside a baking tray. Brush the chicken thoroughly with the glaze, ensuring every inch of the skin is coated. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 60 to 75 minutes, basting with the glaze every 15 minutes to build caramelization and rich flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and has a golden color, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness. Slice the chicken and drizzle with any remaining glaze before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
- Truss the chicken legs to help it cook evenly and look tidy when served.
- Baste the chicken frequently with the glaze to achieve layers of rich flavor and a shiny finish.
- Allow the chicken to rest after roasting to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary for brighter and more vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of roasted chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, roasted chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner, oven roasted chicken