Michigan Apple Cider Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Nothing says fall like the rich, caramelized flavor of grilled Michigan apple cider glazed chicken. This recipe takes full advantage of the Arteflame grill’s high-heat searing capabilities to lock in juices before finishing the chicken to tender perfection on the flat cooktop. A sweet and slightly tangy apple cider marinade brings out the best in the chicken, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Michigan apple cider
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

The Sear Makes the Steak, And Arteflame Makes the Sear

Why settle for low-temperature searing when you can achieve steakhouse-quality results with an Arteflame? Gas grills take longer, drying out your steak, while the Arteflame sears at 1000°F in just one minute, locking in juices for perfection.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the top of the oiled napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. Wait approximately 20 minutes until the grill is preheated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
2. Place the chicken on the center grill grate of the Arteflame to sear at 1,000°F for about 2 minutes per side.
3. Move the chicken to the outer griddle area of the Arteflame to continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
4. Remove from the grill and rest for 5 minutes while the residual heat brings the chicken to 165°F.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Brush the chicken with melted butter for extra richness.
2. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips

• Allow the chicken to rest after grilling to help retain juices.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect cook—remove at 150°F and let it rise to 165°F.
• Grill apples alongside the chicken for an extra touch of sweet, smoky flavor.

Variations

• Maple-Glazed Chicken: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and add a pinch of cinnamon for a richer sweetness.
• Spicy Apple Cider Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb Cider Chicken: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the marinade for deep herbal notes.
• Smoky Cider BBQ Chicken: Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika and a splash of barbecue sauce to the marinade for a twist.
• Honey Dijon Apple Chicken: Replace brown sugar with honey and use whole grain mustard for a bold, tangy flavor.

Best Pairings

• Grilled asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato mash
• Warm apple slaw
• A glass of crisp Michigan cider or a chardonnay

Conclusion

Grilled Michigan Apple Cider Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that makes the most of fresh ingredients and the superior grilling capability of the Arteflame. With its unbeatable sear and perfectly balanced flavors, this recipe is sure to impress at your next cookout.