Name: Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup apple cider (not vinegar); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening); 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 3 tablespoons butter; 1/3 cup heavy cream or milk; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional); 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a delicious blend of savory and sweet, with a sticky apple cider glaze that clings to golden, pan-seared chicken. The naturally sweet, velvety mashed sweet potatoes provide the perfect base, creating a cozy, restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. It’s a fantastic way to use seasonal ingredients and impress with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Apple Cider Glazed Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
Dijon mustard
Garlic (minced)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Sweet Potato Mash:

Sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Butter
Heavy cream or milk
Salt
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Directions

1. Make the Sweet Potato Mash:

Place sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Add butter, cream, salt, and cinnamon or nutmeg if using. Mash until smooth. Stir in maple syrup if desired. Keep warm.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Season chicken with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Glaze:

In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Pour in apple cider and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Add fresh herbs if using. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until reduced and slightly thickened.
For a thicker glaze, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in during the last few minutes of simmering.
Return chicken to the pan and coat with the glaze.

4. Serve:

Spoon sweet potato mash onto plates.
Top with glazed chicken and drizzle extra cider reduction over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Apple upgrade: Add thin apple slices to the glaze for added texture and sweetness.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze.
Add greens: Serve with sautéed kale, spinach, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Bone-in chicken: Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks; adjust cooking time as needed.
Swap mash base: Use mashed butternut squash or cauliflower as a lower-carb alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat chicken and glaze gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheat mashed sweet potatoes in the microwave or in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture.
Freeze mashed sweet potatoes separately if needed, but the glaze is best when fresh.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, but opt for unsweetened apple juice to avoid an overly sweet glaze.

How do I know when the glaze is thick enough?

The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. It will thicken more as it cools slightly.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Sear the chicken first, then finish it in a 375°F oven while you prepare the glaze on the stovetop.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider (not apple cider vinegar) for the best flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, both components can be made ahead and reheated. The glaze may need a splash of cider to loosen.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the Dijon mustard and apple cider are certified gluten-free.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Absolutely. Just increase cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

How can I add more flavor to the mash?

Try adding roasted garlic, cream cheese, or a bit of grated Parmesan.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, grill the chicken and then toss it in the warm cider glaze before serving.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

Stone-ground mustard or a touch of whole-grain mustard works well too.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash is a deliciously balanced dish that captures the essence of fall with every bite. The sweet and savory glaze over juicy chicken paired with velvety sweet potato mash makes this meal as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re entertaining or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Apple Cider Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potato Mash is a cozy fall-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken glazed in a tangy-sweet apple cider reduction, served over creamy mashed sweet potatoes. It’s elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknights.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Place sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, 12–15 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
Add butter, cream, salt, and cinnamon or nutmeg if using. Mash until smooth. Stir in maple syrup if desired. Keep warm.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add apple cider and Dijon mustard, scraping up browned bits. Stir in herbs if using. Simmer 8–10 minutes until reduced.
If a thicker glaze is desired, stir in cornstarch slurry during the last few minutes of simmering.
Return chicken to the pan and coat with glaze.
Serve sweet potato mash on plates, top with glazed chicken, and drizzle with extra cider reduction. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for best flavor.
Bone-in chicken works too; adjust cooking time.
Add thin apple slices to the glaze for more sweetness and texture.
Reheat mash with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
This dish is naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free mustard and cider.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with mash
Calories: 480
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 460mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 125mg