Savory Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken Delight
Indulge in the rich and flavorful experience of our Savory Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken Delight. This dish combines tender boneless chicken breasts marinated in a delightful blend of apple juice, ginger, and spices, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile. Finished with a luscious BBQ sauce, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or meal prep. Plus, it's freezer-friendly, so you can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the mouthwatering taste whenever you crave it. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Chicken Breasts
6 (trimmed)
Ginger Puree
1 tablespoon (pureed)
Bay Leaf
1 (crushed)
Apple Juice Concentrate
1/4 cup (undiluted)
Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons (divided)
Dried Onion Flakes
1 tablespoon (dried)
Brown Sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
Chili Powder
1 tablespoon (ground)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Dijon Mustard
1 tablespoon (prepared)
Chili Sauce
1 cup (prepared)
Light Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Instructions
1
In a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag, place the boneless chicken breasts.
2
Add the marinade ingredients: ginger puree, bay leaf, apple juice concentrate, apple cider vinegar, and dried onion flakes. Seal the bag, mix well, and freeze for future use.
3
In a separate Ziploc bag, combine the sauce ingredients: brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, chili sauce, light soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Seal and freeze this bag as well.
4
When ready to cook, remove both the chicken and sauce bags from the freezer and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for about 2-3 hours at room temperature.
5
Once thawed, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
6
Heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and brown them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
7
Reduce the heat to low and pour the prepared BBQ sauce over the browned chicken. Simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
8
Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful chicken dish combining tender boneless breasts with a sweet and tangy cider-based marinade and a luscious BBQ sauce finish.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 trimmed boneless chicken breasts.
Is Savory Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken Delight freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be freezer-friendly, allowing you to prepare the chicken and sauce in advance.
What ingredients are in the chicken marinade?
The marinade includes ginger puree, crushed bay leaf, apple juice concentrate, apple cider vinegar, and dried onion flakes.
What ingredients are used to make the BBQ sauce?
The sauce is made from brown sugar, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, chili sauce, light soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar.
How should I store the chicken for future use?
Place the chicken and marinade ingredients in a large gallon-sized Ziploc bag, seal it, and freeze.
Should the BBQ sauce be frozen with the chicken?
No, the sauce ingredients should be combined in a separate Ziploc bag, sealed, and frozen separately from the chicken.
How do I thaw the frozen chicken and sauce?
You can thaw both bags in the refrigerator overnight or for about 2-3 hours at room temperature.
Do I cook the chicken in the marinade?
No, once thawed, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid before cooking.
How much oil is needed to brown the chicken?
You should use 2 teaspoons of oil in a large frying pan.
What heat setting is used to brown the chicken?
The chicken should be browned over high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
When do I add the BBQ sauce to the chicken?
Add the prepared BBQ sauce after the chicken has been browned and the heat has been reduced to low.
How long should the chicken simmer in the sauce?
Simmer the chicken in the sauce uncovered for 5-7 minutes.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What type of apple juice is used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of undiluted apple juice concentrate.
Is the ginger used in the recipe fresh or processed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of pureed ginger.
What type of soy sauce is used in the BBQ sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
Can I use any type of mustard?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of prepared Dijon mustard.
What makes this recipe a 'cider' BBQ chicken?
It uses apple cider vinegar in both the marinade and the sauce, along with apple juice concentrate to provide a cider-inspired flavor.
What kind of sugar is in the BBQ sauce?
The sauce uses 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar for sweetness.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total for this Savory Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken.
Is the bay leaf added whole?
The recipe suggests using one crushed bay leaf in the marinade.
What are some suggested occasions for this dish?
It is perfect for family dinners, summer cookouts, or as part of a meal prep routine.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It contains chili powder and chili sauce, providing a mild kick that balances with the sweet brown sugar and apple flavors.
Does the chicken need to be trimmed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 6 trimmed boneless chicken breasts.
What type of salt is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, or more to taste.
Can I use fresh onions instead of flakes?
While you could substitute, the recipe explicitly calls for 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes for the marinade.
Is the BBQ sauce simmered with a lid?
The instructions state to simmer the chicken and sauce uncovered.
What is the preparation for the chili sauce?
The recipe uses 1 cup of prepared chili sauce as a base for the BBQ flavor.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and an easy dinner option using lean protein.