Description

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw combines the sweet, tangy richness of apple cider with tender, juicy chicken thighs, served with a refreshing, crunchy autumn slaw. This fall-inspired dish is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes until crispy. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sticky Apple Cider Glaze: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add apple cider, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the glaze thickens.
Cook the Chicken in the Glaze: Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some glaze over it. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to thicken the glaze further.
Prepare the Autumn Slaw: In a bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, apple slices, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the slaw with the dressing.
Serve: Plate the chicken with a generous serving of autumn slaw. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the chicken and serve.

Notes

Leftover chicken is great for making rotisserie chicken sandwiches with the sticky glaze.
For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the glaze.
Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Fall Recipes, Chicken
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with slaw
Calories: 350
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Apple Cider Chicken, Autumn Slaw, Fall Chicken Recipes, Sweet and Savory Chicken, Holiday Chicken Dish