Description
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful fall-inspired dish featuring juicy, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing, crunchy slaw packed with seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs. This comforting yet vibrant meal perfectly balances warm autumn flavors with crisp textures, making it ideal for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
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
1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until reduced and thickened.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper, and sear skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
3. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. Reduce heat and pour glaze over chicken. Spoon glaze over pieces until sticky and caramelized.
4. While chicken finishes cooking, combine cabbage, carrots, and apple in a large bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Pour over slaw and toss.
6. Add chopped herbs to slaw just before serving and toss lightly.
7. Plate the glazed chicken thighs with a generous serving of slaw and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking for crispier skin.
Reduce the glaze thoroughly so it sticks well to the chicken.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright contrast.
Add the dressing to the slaw just before serving to keep it crunchy.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg