Baked Chicken with Pickled Apples is a top dish for the New Year table. The chicken stays juicy and full of flavor. The apples bring a sweet and tangy flavor that makes the dish unique.

Prepare this dish ahead of time. Pickle the apples in advance. Bake the chicken fresh so it absorbs all the flavors.

Serve the pickled apples as a side dish. They go well with many holiday meals. This recipe is simple and festive at the same time.

Directions

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  1. For making pickled apples. Put sweet and sour apples in a bowl with a capacity of 3 liters. Pour in 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp honey, cloves, allspice, peas, currant or cherry leaves, horseradish root, hot red pepper, garlic, or your favorite pickling spice.

  2. Pour apples with clean, unboiled water and leave them in a warm place for 3 days. Later, put the apples in the refrigerator or basement. The apples should stand for about a month or longer.
  3. For marinating chicken. Dip the chicken weighing 1-1.5 kg into a bowl with a capacity of 4 liters. Drain the brine from the apples directly onto the chicken.
  4. Pour in the sour apple cider. Squeeze out half of a lemon. A properly marinated chicken is doused with liquid on top. Add bay leaves and marinate overnight for at least 3 hours.
  5. For baking chicken. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let dry a little. Punch small holes in the chicken all over the place where you can. Peel 3-4 cloves, cut into large strips, and stuff the garlic into the holes.
  6. Take the chicken and rub or coat it well with powdered chicken spice all over the surface and even inside.
  7. Cut sauerkraut pickled apples into halves and place a baking sheet or bottom of the cast iron dutch oven with a capacity of 4 liters. Cut the apples into quarters and salt a little. Fill all the free space inside the chicken with apple slices.
  8. Squeeze 2-3 garlic cloves and mix with soft butter. Rub the surface of the chicken with this mixture.
  9. Cover the cast iron dutch oven with a lid or cover the baking sheet with a piece of foil and leave in an oven heated to 180 degrees for 1 hour.
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven, remove the lid or foil, and brush the surface of the chicken with liquid honey. Place in the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Make sure that the chicken does not become too dark.

Why Fresh and Pickled Apples Are the Best Superfoods for Your Health

Fresh and pickled apples deliver a unique combination of flavor and nutrition. Packed with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, fresh apples boost immunity and support digestion. They serve as a convenient snack while helping to regulate blood sugar levels naturally.

Pickled apples add a probiotic boost that supports gut health. Thanks to fermentation, they offer beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Their sweet-sour flavor also pairs perfectly with meats, salads, or grain dishes.

Apples, both fresh and pickled, enrich your diet with year-round health benefits. They provide a simple, affordable superfood that can make a real impact on your well-being.

Apples: History & Nutrition

Video by watchsuperfoods

Usage Tips for This Recipe

Serve the chicken right after baking for the best texture and taste. Reheating can dry out the meat and make it less tender.

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

Pair baked chicken with a fresh salad or light mashed potatoes. Garnish the hot dish with rosemary for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Avoid over-salting the chicken. Less salt helps retain juiciness. Add salt to the sauce instead and pour it over the chicken before serving.