Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Apple Cider Chicken! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider, creating a dish that's both comforting and incredibly sophisticated. This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality meals in under 40 minutes, without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pot and allow it to heat up for 1-2 minutes.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same Instant Pot, add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour the apple cider into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits for added flavor.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, nestling them into the liquid.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken and check the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: If desired, thicken the sauce by using the Sauté function and reducing the liquid for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the apple cider sauce and onions, garnishing with fresh thyme if preferred.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use fresh, high-quality apple cider for the most robust flavor - avoid using apple juice as a substitute.
- Don't skip the searing step! It adds incredible depth of flavor and helps lock in the chicken's moisture.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of apple brandy or a sprinkle of fresh rosemary to the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thin, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it quickly during the final sauté stage.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 322kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
