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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe

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4.8 from 81 reviews

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delicious fall-inspired main course featuring caramelized chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a fresh, crunchy slaw made from seasonal vegetables and apples. This dish offers a perfect balance of warm, sticky, and savory chicken alongside a refreshing, crisp salad, ideal for cozy family dinners during autumn.

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

  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.
  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 and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until 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.
  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. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
  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 harmony of sticky, sweet chicken and refreshing, crunchy slaw.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crisp skin and better caramelization.
  • Reduce the glaze thoroughly for a thick, sticky texture that clings well to the chicken.
  • Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to add brightness and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
  • Don’t overdress the slaw; keep it light to maintain crunch and freshness.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, autumn slaw, gluten free chicken recipe, fall dinner recipe, sticky chicken thighs, caramelized chicken, crisp cabbage slaw, healthy chicken dinner

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