Introduction

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful dish that combines tender, caramelized chicken thighs with a refreshing, crunchy slaw. The sweet and tangy glaze pairs perfectly with the crisp apple and cabbage salad, making it a fantastic meal for fall or any time you crave comfort with a fresh twist.

The dish shows a white plate with sliced grilled chicken breast on the left side, with four thick pieces layered slightly overlapping. The chicken has a dark brown glaze with shiny, sticky sauce and some green herbs sprinkled on top. On the right side of the plate, there is a colorful coleslaw salad made of julienned orange carrots, light green cabbage, and purple cabbage mixed with some green herbs. The sauce from the chicken has pooled around the chicken at the base. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 the 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 the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down in the skillet and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for another 5 minutes until nearly cooked through.
Step 3: 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 chicken frequently until the glaze is sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken well.
Step 4: While the chicken cooks, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Stir the chopped parsley or chives into the slaw for a fresh finish. Serve the sticky apple cider chicken thighs alongside the crisp autumn slaw immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and moist meat.
Substitute apple cider with white grape juice for a milder sweetness.
Add toasted walnuts or pecans to the slaw for added crunch and nuttiness.
For a spicier glaze, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness of the skin; slaw is best served cold or at room temperature and should be consumed within a day for the freshest taste.

How to Serve

The dish shows five thick slices of grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown char on top, covered in a shiny, dark brown glaze with visible herbs sprinkled over it. The chicken sits to the left side of a white bowl, while the right side holds a colorful mix of shredded vegetables including orange carrots, green cucumber, purple cabbage, and white onions, all topped with small green herb pieces. The sauce lightly pools at the bottom, adding a glossy, appetizing look. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to use celery seeds in the slaw?

Celery seeds add a subtle, earthy flavor but can be omitted if unavailable. Substitute with a pinch of celery salt or leave it out entirely.