Description
A cozy recipe for tenderized chicken breast with a sweet-and-savory fall glaze, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
- Optional: 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans for a crunchy finish
Instructions
- Prep and tenderize: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until it’s an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
- Marinate briefly: Place the flattened breasts in a shallow dish and pour half the glaze over them. Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
- Preheat and assemble: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken breasts on a baking sheet and top with apple slices and butter cubes. Spoon remaining glaze over the top.
- Bake: Roast for 15–20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden finish.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted root vegetables or a warm grain salad.
Notes
Pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and don’t skip the resting time for better moisture retention.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American