Description
Juicy Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken with a perfectly balanced tangy and sweet glaze made from apple cider vinegar and natural brown sugar. This recipe features tender roasted chicken with an aromatic herb finish, ideal for easy weeknight dinners or special occasions. Simple ingredients and straightforward steps deliver a richly flavored, moist chicken with a beautifully caramelized glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure crisp skin once roasted. Season the entire chicken inside and out generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor evenly.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and the natural gelling agent if using. Gently heat the mixture while stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat once ready.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the prepared glaze all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible to maximize flavor absorption. Reserve some glaze for basting during cooking.
- Roast the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a roasting rack set inside a pan. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the chicken skin and drizzle with olive oil. Roast the chicken for 60 to 75 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 15 minutes to build a shiny, caramelized layer.
- Rest and Serve: When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carve and serve garnished with fresh herbs as desired.
Notes
- Pat chicken skin dry very well before seasoning to get crispy skin.
- Apply glaze multiple times during roasting for rich layers of flavor and shine.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Bring the chicken to room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to promote even cooking.
- Rest the chicken after roasting to keep meat moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of whole chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, roasted chicken, apple cider vinegar chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, easy roasted chicken