Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw : The Ultimate Fall Dinner Recipe

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to dive into fall dinner recipes that embrace the season’s best flavors. One such dish is Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw—a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend lunch or looking to elevate your chicken dinner recipes, this dish is a must-try for autumn lovers.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious chicken main dish, along with tips on how to serve it with fresh, seasonal ingredients like an Italian chopped salad and autumn slaw.

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Why You’ll Love Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a celebration of fall flavors, with a perfectly balanced glaze that’s both sweet and tangy. When paired with autumn slaw, which adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, you get a complete meal that’s both satisfying and vibrant.

Whether you’re preparing for a weekend lunch or looking for a simple yet flavorful dish for dinner, this recipe offers versatility. Plus, if you have leftover chicken, it makes an amazing filling for rotisserie chicken sandwiches!

Ingredients for Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

Before you get started, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:

For the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (for maximum flavor)
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Autumn Slaw:

• 3 cups shredded cabbage (a mix of green and purple for color)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced apples (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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How to Make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until the skin is crispy and golden. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sticky Apple Cider Glaze

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Let the glaze cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop its rich, sticky consistency. Taste the glaze and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Glaze

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the glaze over the top of each piece. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender and juicy.

During the last 5 minutes of cooking, uncover the skillet to allow the glaze to thicken even more, turning the chicken occasionally to coat in the sticky sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Autumn Slaw

While the chicken cooks, make the autumn slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, apple slices, and chopped parsley. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken is done, plate it with a generous serving of autumn slaw on the side. Drizzle any remaining sticky apple cider glaze over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with an Italian chopped salad or your favorite fall dinner side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes.

Variations and Tips for Perfect Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

• Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches: If you’re making this dish with leftover chicken, shred the chicken and toss it in the sticky apple cider glaze. Pile it high on toasted buns and top with a bit of autumn slaw for a delicious and easy rotisserie chicken sandwich.
• Chicken Thigh Recipes: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can substitute them in this recipe. The cooking time will be slightly shorter, so be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze to give the dish an extra kick.
• Fall Dinner Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with other fall dinner sides like pumpkin soup or garlic parmesan roasted potatoes for a comforting, seasonal meal.

Why This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken Recipe is Perfect for Fall

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of sweet and savory flavors. The apple cider glaze creates a rich, sticky sauce that caramelizes on the chicken, while the autumn slaw provides a refreshing contrast with its crisp texture and tangy dressing. This combination is ideal for fall dinner recipes, as it takes advantage of seasonal ingredients like apples and cider, making it both comforting and celebratory for cooler weather.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, enjoying a weekend lunch, or prepping chicken main dishes for the week, Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw will become a go-to recipe for the fall season.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
A: While chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, you can use chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Q: How can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the glaze and slaw ahead of time. Store the glaze in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before using. The slaw can also be made a few hours in advance. When ready to serve, cook the chicken and assemble the dish.

Q: Can I make the autumn slaw with other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a different veggie, try using shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, or even thinly sliced cabbage for a different texture. You can also add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.

Q: Can I substitute apple cider vinegar for regular vinegar?
A: While apple cider vinegar works best for the fall flavor profile, you can substitute regular white vinegar if needed. However, the taste will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw is the perfect dish to usher in the fall season. It’s sweet, savory, and satisfying, making it ideal for any fall dinner or weekend lunch. With the added bonus of being a versatile recipe—perfect for rotisserie chicken sandwiches or serving with an Italian chopped salad—this dish is one you’ll make again and again.

Embrace the flavors of fall with this easy-to-make, comforting chicken recipe. Happy cooking!

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