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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful fall-inspired dish featuring tender, caramelized chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction. Paired with a refreshing and crunchy slaw of shredded cabbage, carrots, and crisp apples dressed in a lightly spiced apple cider vinaigrette, this recipe balances rich, sticky flavors with bright, fresh textures for a perfect seasonal meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 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. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
  3. Glaze the chicken: Pour the prepared apple cider glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook gently, spooning the glaze over the thighs frequently, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully, approximately 5-7 minutes more.
  4. 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 small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or chives for a fresh, bright flavor.
  5. Plate and serve: Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken thighs on plates alongside a generous portion of the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of sticky, sweet chicken with refreshing, crunchy slaw.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juiciness and crispy skin texture.
  • The apple cider glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before glazing the chicken.
  • Choose a tart apple like Granny Smith for the slaw to add a crisp, bright contrast.
  • Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze for sweeter or less sweet preference.
  • Ensure to frequently spoon the glaze over the chicken to build a sticky, caramelized finish.
  • Serve immediately as the glaze is best enjoyed fresh and the slaw remains crisp.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, sticky chicken, autumn recipe, chicken thighs, crisp slaw, fall flavors, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/sticky-apple-cider-chicken-with-crisp-autumn-slaw-recipe/