Dinner

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe

Byluca Carter January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Introduction

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a perfect fall dish that combines juicy, caramelized chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Paired with a refreshing slaw packed with seasonal veggies and fresh herbs, it offers a delightful balance of warm flavors and crisp textures for cozy dinners or family meals.

A white bowl holds sliced grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly charred outside, arranged in a neat row on one side. Next to the chicken is a colorful slaw made of shredded purple cabbage, orange carrots, and green herbs, all mixed with a light dressing. Underneath the chicken and slaw is a layer of thin, pale yellow fries, peeking out from the edges. The food looks fresh and vibrant, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the glaze by combining apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 2: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until almost cooked through.

Step 3: Pour the 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 thickens and caramelizes, coating the chicken.
Step 4: While the chicken cooks, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced apple in a large bowl. Whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the slaw and toss gently. Stir in chopped parsley or chives for brightness.
Step 5: Plate the glazed chicken thighs alongside the crisp autumn slaw and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of sticky sweetness and refreshing crunch.

Tips & Variations

Pat the chicken dry before cooking for crispier skin and better caramelization.
Reduce the glaze thoroughly to ensure a thick, sticky texture that clings well to the chicken.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to add brightness and balance the sweetness of the glaze.

Keep the slaw lightly dressed to maintain its crunch and freshness.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven to preserve the glaze’s texture, and serve the slaw cold or at room temperature for best freshness.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a dish of grilled chicken sliced into thick pieces, each piece showing a golden brown color with a glossy, slightly charred surface from the sauce glaze. Beneath the chicken, there is a colorful layer of shredded vegetables including orange carrots, purple cabbage, and green herbs, mixed together to create a fresh, crunchy base. The sauce drizzled over the chicken is dark brown and shiny, pooling a little on the vegetables below. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless thighs will work, but the bone-in version tends to be juicier and more flavorful. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.