Sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, this Sweet Cider BBQ Chicken is the perfect balance of bold barbecue flavors and fruity apple undertones. Featuring a rich marinade made with apple cider, smoky paprika, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a hint of garlic, this dish ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Designed for convenience, this recipe can easily be prepped ahead of time, making it a great option for once-a-month cooking (OAMC) or busy weeknights. Whether grilled or pan-seared, the tender chicken is topped with a luscious cider-infused glaze, creating a mouthwatering main dish that pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or fluffy rice. Elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly BBQ chicken that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple cider, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well combined.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable freezer bag or airtight container.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are completely coated.
Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For OAMC, freeze immediately and thaw in the fridge before cooking.
To cook, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and reserve the marinade for later use.
Cook the chicken in the skillet or grill pan for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to use as a sauce or glaze (this step is crucial to ensure food safety).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Drizzle the chicken with the reduced marinade sauce and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or rice.
Serving size | (1247.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1778.6 |
Total Fat 39.8g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 9.3g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g | |
Cholesterol 591.6mg | 0% |
Sodium 3016.6mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 117.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 9.1g | 0% |
Total Sugars 99.9g | |
Protein 225.8g | 0% |
Vitamin D 7.0IU | 0% |
Calcium 288.8mg | 0% |
Iron 10.6mg | 0% |
Potassium 2724.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories