Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw recipe features tender, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction, paired perfectly with a fresh and crunchy fall-inspired slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and crisp apple slices. A delicious and balanced meal combining warm autumn flavors with a refreshing side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Glaze
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
For the Crisp Autumn Slaw
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
- Cook the chicken: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down in the pan and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
- Glaze the chicken: Pour the prepared apple cider glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently, frequently spooning the glaze over the thighs until it becomes sticky and caramelized, thoroughly coating the chicken.
- Make the crisp autumn slaw: While the chicken cooks, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or chives for added brightness and flavor.
- Plate and serve: Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken thighs on plates with a generous portion of the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of sticky, sweet chicken and refreshing, crunchy slaw.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs helps keep the meat juicy and adds crispy texture to the skin.
- The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For added depth, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze.
- Use a tart apple like Granny Smith for the slaw to add a nice contrast to the sweet chicken glaze.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes or a simple grain like quinoa for a heartier meal.
Keywords: sticky apple cider chicken, autumn chicken recipe, apple cider glaze, crispy chicken thighs, autumn slaw, cabbage slaw, fall chicken, easy chicken dinner
