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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Crispy chicken thighs glazed with sticky apple cider sauce served alongside bright, crunchy autumn slaw for a perfectly balanced dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 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, for slaw
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • small saucepan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and 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 10-12 minutes.
  2. Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Flip chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until almost cooked through.
  4. 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 becomes sticky and caramelized. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. While chicken cooks, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.
  6. Drizzle dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine. Stir in chopped fresh parsley or chives.
  7. Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then arrange on plates alongside the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat Chicken Dry: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crisp skin and better caramelization. Glaze Reduction: Reduce glaze thoroughly for thick, sticky texture. Apple Selection: Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith. Storage: Keep leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, separating chicken from slaw. Freezing: Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months without the slaw. Reheating: Reheat chicken in skillet over medium heat. Serve slaw fresh. Make-Ahead Slaw: Prepare up to a day in advance but add dressing shortly before serving. Protein Variations: Use chicken breasts, pork chops, or tofu. Sweetener Substitution: Exchange honey for maple syrup. Gluten-Free: All ingredients naturally gluten-free.