Description

Enjoy a tender and juicy Apple Cider Glazed Roasted Chicken featuring a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy glaze made from natural apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This easy-to-make dish delivers a succulent texture and vibrant flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 whole chicken (fresh, good-quality)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves
2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme, sage, or oregano as variation)

Apple Cider Glaze

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 cup brown sugar (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch of natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Season generously with salt and pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity with a few whole garlic cloves and sprigs of fresh rosemary to infuse flavor during roasting.
Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and a pinch of natural gelling agent. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes glossy with even texture.
Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the skin. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes. Starting then, brush the chicken generously with the apple cider glaze every 10 minutes to develop a sticky, flavorful, caramelized coating.
Rest Before Serving: Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step redistributes the juices, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Notes

Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
Brush glaze multiple times during roasting for a luscious sticky finish.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent dryness or rawness.
Ensure chicken skin is fully dry before rubbing with olive oil for crispier texture.
A small amount of natural gelling agent goes a long way to thicken glaze without overpowering flavor or texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 chicken
Calories: 380
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: apple cider glazed chicken, roasted chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, easy roast chicken, weeknight dinner