Cider Glazed Chicken with Browned Butter Pecan Rice

My most recent issue of Cooking Light Magazine had some recipes to utilize apples because it is of course, apple season. This recipe however, only uses apple cider but it is delicious. Using the cider gives the chicken a little bit sweeter taste, which was contrasted by the dijon mustard. It was a flavor explosion in my mouth. I will definitely be making this again. And it paired so well with the pecan rice mixture. This was my first time using boil-in-bag rice, it was so convenient and cooks up perfectly! I think I will be buying this more often. Picture is compliments of Cooking Light Magazine because I forgot to take a picture.

Cider Glazed Chicken with Browned Butter Pecan Rice

1 (3.5 ounce) bag boil-in-bag brown rice (I used Uncle Ben's)

2 tablespoons butter, divided

1 pound chicken breast cutlets (about 4)

3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup refrigerated apple cider

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

1. Cook rice according to package directions in a small saucepan, drain.

2. While rice cooks, melt 1 teaspoon butter in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan. Add cider and mustard to pan, scraping pan to loosen browned bits; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until syrupy. Add chicken to pan, turning to coat. Remove from heat; set aside.

3. Melt remaining 5 teaspoons butter in saucepan over medium high heat; cook for 2 minutes or until browned and fragrant. Lower heat to medium; add pecans, and cook for 1 minute or until toasted, stirring frequently. Add rice and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; toss well to coat. Serve rice with chicken and sprinkle with parsley if you so desire.

The best thing about cooking from this magazine, is that the nutritional value is great and the meals are still so delicious. This dish only has 333 calories per serving.

Bon Appetit!

Victoria