Hey there, food lovers! 🙋♀️ Think fire cider is just for wellness shots? Think again! Fire Cider Chicken turns that tangy, spicy elixir into a mouthwatering marinade for a Healthy Dinner that’s anything but boring. Born from a neighbor’s quirky mason jar concoction, this recipe pairs tender chicken with a zesty fire cider glaze and sweet apples for a dish my family demands weekly. Ready in about 30 minutes, Fire Cider Chicken is your ticket to a bold, easy meal. Let’s fire it up!
Ingredients for Fire Cider Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for Fire Cider Chicken (serves 4):
Marinade:
- ⅓ cup (80ml) fire cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (6g) Italian herb blend (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 tsp (4g) sea salt
- ½ tsp (1g) ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (20g) leftover fire cider vegetables and herbs (e.g., garlic, ginger, onion, peppers)
Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
Apple Topping (Optional):
- 2 medium apples (300g), sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15ml) maple syrup (optional)
Equipment
- Medium skillet or grill pan (10–12 inches, preferably cast iron)
- Large bowl or zip-top bag
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredient Tips
- Fire Cider Vinegar: Store-bought or homemade works; sub apple cider vinegar with a pinch of cayenne for Fire Cider Chicken.
- Chicken: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts are leaner; pound breasts to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Fire Cider Veggies: No leftovers? Use 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp grated ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Apples: Granny Smith adds tartness, Honeycrisp brings sweetness; pears are a great swap.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or 2 tsp brown sugar can substitute for a similar sweet balance.
Directions for Fire Cider Chicken
Let’s make this zesty Fire Cider Chicken!
Marinate the Chicken
- I season 1.5 lbs chicken with 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp Italian herb blend.
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, I add the chicken and 2 tbsp fire cider vegetables, then pour in ⅓ cup fire cider vinegar.
- I mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours (or overnight for max flavor).
Cook the Chicken
- I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- I add the marinated chicken and fire cider vegetables, cooking 5–7 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- I baste with 1–2 tbsp extra fire cider vinegar during cooking for a flavor boost, then transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to rest.
Sauté the Apples (Optional)
- I wipe the skillet clean and add 2 sliced apples with 2 tbsp water, cooking over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- If using, I drizzle in 1 tbsp maple syrup and cook 1 minute more for a glossy finish.
Combine and Serve
- I return the chicken to the skillet with the apples (if using) and cook 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
- I taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, then serve hot with extra pan juices drizzled over.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 2–4 hours
- Cook Time: 20–30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes–4 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 6 oz chicken + ½ cup apples per serving)
- Calories: ~250–300 kcal per serving (with apples)
- Macros per Serving: 10g carbs, 28g protein, 8g fat, 2g fiber
- Nutrition Highlights: High in protein (28g per serving), low-carb (10g), good source of vitamin B6 (20% daily value).
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions. For precise values, consult a nutrition calculator.
Variations for Fire Cider Chicken
Try these twists on this Healthy Dinner recipe:
- Spicy Boost: Add ¼ tsp cayenne to the marinade for extra heat in your Fire Cider Chicken.
- Veggie Swap: Use pears or sweet onions instead of apples for a different sweet-savory balance.
- Herb Twist: Swap Italian herbs for 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, inspired by Food and Tips’ Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken.
- Sweet Swap: Use honey or 2 tsp brown sugar instead of maple syrup for a similar glaze.
- Creamy Finish: Stir 2 tbsp Greek yogurt into the pan juices for a tangy sauce, per Food and Tips’ Chocolate Overnight Oats.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with Food and Tips’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a refreshing drink.
- Serve with Food and Tips’ Easy Peanut Butter Cookies for a sweet finish.
- Enjoy with Food and Tips’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a light side.
Storage
I store Fire Cider Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors get even bolder! For freezing, I cool the dish completely and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; apples may soften slightly. To reheat, I warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth for 5–7 minutes, or microwave on medium for 1–2 minutes. Pro tip: Store chicken and apples separately to maintain textures!
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve on a rustic platter with apples fanned around the chicken for a vibrant look.
- Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or Food and Tips’ Coconut Cooler for a summery vibe.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or a pinch of chili flakes for extra zing.
- Portion Size: About 6 oz chicken + ½ cup apples per serving; slice chicken for smaller portions.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings with Fire Cider Chicken.
FAQs About Fire Cider Chicken
Here are answers to common questions about making Fire Cider Chicken:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, breasts cook faster (4–6 minutes per side); check for 165°F to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t have fire cider vinegar?
Use apple cider vinegar with ¼ tsp cayenne and 1 tsp minced garlic for a similar kick.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Marinate for at least 2 hours and cook on medium heat to prevent burning the glaze.
Will kids like this Healthy Dinner?
My 6-year-old loves the sweet apples! Use less fire cider veggies for milder flavor.
Can I skip the apples?
Absolutely, the chicken is delicious solo; try adding sautéed onions for extra depth.
More High-Protein Meals You’ll Love
- High Protein Chicken Orzo: A Creamy, Healthy One-Pan Delight
- Protein Bagels
- Easy Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy Dinner
Conclusion
Fire Cider Chicken is the ultimate Healthy Dinner, blending bold, tangy flavors with tender chicken and sweet apples in an easy skillet meal. It’s family-approved and perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Try Fire Cider Chicken and share your favorite sides in the comments—I’m always up for new ideas!
Fire Cider Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ⅓ cup 80ml fire cider vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp 6g Italian herb blend (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 tsp 4g sea salt
- ½ tsp 1g ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp 20g leftover fire cider vegetables and herbs (e.g., garlic, ginger, onion, peppers)
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs 680g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tbsp 15ml olive oil
For the Apple Topping (Optional):
- 2 medium apples 300g, sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 tbsp 30ml water
- 1 tbsp 15ml maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- I season 1.5 lbs chicken with 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp Italian herb blend. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, I add the chicken and 2 tbsp fire cider vegetables, then pour in ⅓ cup fire cider vinegar. I mix well, cover, and refrigerate for 2–4 hours (or overnight for max flavor).
Cook the Chicken
- I heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. I add the marinated chicken and fire cider vegetables, cooking 5–7 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). I baste with 1–2 tbsp extra fire cider vinegar during cooking for a flavor boost, then transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to rest.
Sauté the Apples (Optional)
- I wipe the skillet clean and add 2 sliced apples with 2 tbsp water, cooking over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until softened. If using, I drizzle in 1 tbsp maple syrup and cook 1 minute more for a glossy finish.
Combine and Serve
- I return the chicken to the skillet with the apples (if using) and cook 1–2 minutes to meld flavors. I taste and add a pinch of salt if needed, then serve hot with extra pan juices drizzled over.
Notes
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