why make this recipe
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful dish that brings the warm flavors of autumn right to your dinner table. The combination of juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce pairs perfectly with a fresh and crunchy slaw. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also captures the essence of the season, making it a must-try for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
how to make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Directions
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of 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 the chicken is almost cooked through.
- 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 often, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully.
- 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.
- 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.
how to serve Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
Serve this dish warm, placing the sticky apple cider chicken on a plate with a generous helping of the autumn slaw. It pairs nicely with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. This delightful combination makes for a comforting, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
how to store Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
To store leftovers, place the chicken and slaw in airtight containers. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven or microwave until heated through. The slaw is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for a day or two if needed.
tips to make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
- Make sure to season the chicken well before searing for maximum flavor.
- For extra crunch in the slaw, add in some nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- If you like a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
variation
You can easily switch up the slaw by adding ingredients like sliced bell peppers or pears for additional flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used in place of thighs.
FAQs
-
Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, other cuts of chicken or even pork can work well with the apple cider glaze. -
What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. -
How long does the glaze last?
The apple cider glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just warm it up before using.
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on Use fresh and high-quality chicken thighs.
- 1 cup apple cider Preferably a sweet variety.
- 2 tablespoons honey Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For a slight tanginess.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
- Salt and pepper, to taste Season generously.
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil) For searing chicken.
For the Slaw
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded Use fresh cabbage for best flavor.
- 1 cup carrots, shredded Freshly shredded carrots add color.
- 1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced For a tart crunch.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Adds acidity to the slaw.
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds Optional, for flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste Season as desired.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until almost fully cooked.
- Pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, spooning the glaze over the thighs until sticky and caramelized.
Prepare the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the slaw and toss gently.
- Stir in chopped parsley or chives.
Serve
- Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken on plates with a generous portion of autumn slaw. Serve warm.
