Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring golden, seared chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy reduced apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing slaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and crisp apples tossed in a light apple cider vinegar dressing. This dish combines the warmth of autumn flavors with a bright, crunchy salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- 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 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves of 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 heat to medium-low and cook gently, spooning the glaze over the thighs frequently until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, perfectly 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 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 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 sweet, savory, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures juiciness and crispy skin.
- Granny Smith apples are recommended for the slaw due to their tartness and crisp texture.
- The glaze can be made ahead and reheated gently before glazing the chicken.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey according to taste.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze while simmering.
- Serve the dish immediately to enjoy the crispness of the slaw and the sticky texture of the glaze.
Keywords: Sticky Apple Cider Chicken, Autumn Slaw, Chicken Thighs, Fall Recipes, Apple Cider Glaze, Crisp Slaw
