Baked Chicken with Pickled Apples is a top dish for the New Year table. It brings a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Prepare this dish ahead of time. Pickle the apples in advance. Bake the chicken fresh so it absorbs all the flavors. This preparation makes the meal truly special.

Serve the pickled apples as a side dish. They go well with many holiday meals. Their bright taste complements a variety of dishes.

Directions

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  1. To make pickled apples, first place sweet and sour apples in a 3-liter bowl. Then, add 1 tsp salt. After that, add 1 tsp of honey. Next, add cloves, allspice, and peppercorns. Also, include currant or cherry leaves, horseradish root, hot red pepper, garlic, or your favorite pickling spices.
  2. Afterwards, pour clean, unboiled water over the apples. Then, leave the bowl in a warm place for 3 days. Once done, transfer the apples to the fridge or basement. Let them pickle for about a month.
  3. For marinating chicken, start by putting 1–1.5 kg chicken in a 4-liter bowl. Next, pour the apple brine directly over it. Then, add sour apple cider and squeeze juice from half a lemon. After that, add bay leaves on top. Marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours.
  4. Before baking, remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Then, poke small holes all over the chicken. Next, peel 3–4 garlic cloves, cut them into strips, and stuff them into the holes.
  5. Afterwards, rub the chicken well with powdered chicken spice.
  6. Then, cut the pickled apples into halves or quarters. Lightly salt the apple pieces. Next, place some apples on the bottom of a 4-liter cast-iron Dutch oven or baking sheet.
  7. After that, mix 2–3 garlic cloves with soft butter. Rub this mixture over the chicken’s surface.
  8. Finally, cover the Dutch oven with a lid or wrap the baking sheet with foil. Bake at 180°C for 1 hour.
  9. Once finished, remove the lid or foil. Then, brush the chicken with liquid honey. Bake for another 10–15 minutes. Meanwhile, watch closely to prevent over-browning.

Why Fresh and Pickled Apples Are the Best Superfoods

To start, fresh apples bring a unique mix of flavor and nutrition. They’re full of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that boost immunity and help digestion. Plus, they make a handy snack and support natural blood sugar balance.

Meanwhile, pickled apples add a probiotic punch. Thanks to fermentation, they deliver good bacteria that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Their sweet and sour taste pairs wonderfully with meats, salads, or grain dishes.

Altogether, fresh and pickled apples offer year-round health perks. They’re a simple, affordable superfood that can truly benefit your well-being.

Apples: History & Nutrition

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Usage Tips for This Recipe

First, serve the chicken right after baking to enjoy the best texture and taste. Reheating can dry it out and make it tough.

Next, pour the apple-chicken juices over the meat before serving. This keeps it moist and adds a rich, fragrant aroma.

Then, pair your baked chicken with a fresh salad or light mashed potatoes. Finish with a sprig of rosemary for extra flavor and a beautiful look.

Finally, avoid over-salting the chicken. Using less salt helps keep it juicy. Instead, add salt to the sauce and drizzle it over the chicken before serving.