Description

This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy apple cider reduction, paired perfectly with a refreshing and crunchy slaw of cabbage, carrots, and crisp apple. It’s a delightful balance of warm, sticky flavors and crisp textures that celebrate the essence of autumn in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sticky Apple Cider 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

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.
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 and continue cooking for another 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, spooning the glaze over the thighs frequently, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully.
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. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
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 harmony of sticky, sweet chicken and refreshing, crunchy slaw.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs.
Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
The glaze can be prepared in advance and reheated before glazing the chicken.
Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast in the slaw but any crisp apple can be used.
To make the slaw extra crunchy, toss it just before serving to prevent wilting.
If you prefer a sweeter slaw, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to the dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sticky Apple Cider Chicken, autumn chicken recipe, apple cider glaze, crispy chicken thighs, autumn slaw, cabbage slaw with apple