Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw – A Delicious Fall Meal
Apple cider chicken is a comforting dish that combines the sweet, tangy flavors of apple cider with tender chicken thighs, making for a truly delightful meal. Paired with a refreshing autumn slaw, this recipe embodies the essence of fall. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
Why you’ll love it
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken is more than just delicious; it’s easy to prepare and bursts with flavors that evoke the season. The sweetness of the apple cider glaze complements the savory chicken, while the slaw adds a crisp texture that balances the dish. It’s a quick recipe that can be made in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. Plus, the ingredients are simple and accessible, which means you won’t need to search high and low for anything special.
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
Substitutions & key variations
This recipe is quite flexible! You can use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat or even swap in different vegetables for the slaw, such as red cabbage or bell peppers. If you don’t have apple cider, apple juice can work in a pinch, though it may be slightly sweeter. For a gluten-free option, make sure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Make the Apple Cider Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves of 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. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet. Sear until the skin is golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Glaze
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. Cook until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully. This should take another 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Slaw
While the chicken is cooking, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of 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.
Step 5: 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.
Success tips
- Temperature: Make sure to not crowd the skillet; this helps achieve a nice crisp on the chicken skin.
- Texture: The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of apple cider to thin it out slightly.
- Common mistakes: Avoid cooking the chicken on too high a heat, as this might burn the skin instead of rendering it crispy.
How to serve
Serve the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken next to the autumn slaw on a warm plate. A generous drizzle of extra glaze over the chicken can elevate the dish even more. This meal pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread to soak up those delicious flavors.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious not to overcook it, as this could dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may not stay as juicy. Cooking time may vary, so watch them closely.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
3. Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep it crisp.
4. Can I freeze the leftover chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
5. What other sides pair well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, wild rice, or quinoa are excellent choices to pair with this meal.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This dish is rich in protein and provides healthy vegetables through the slaw, making it a balanced meal. The use of honey and apple cider adds natural sweetness without refined sugars.
Conclusion
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is an easy yet impressive dish that brings the flavors of fall directly to your table. Whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a family dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try today!
Links to related recipes
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Apple and Brussels Sprout Salad
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Ensure it's gluten-free for GF option.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
For the Slaw
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation of Apple Cider Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze (about 10-15 minutes).
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and sear skin side down until golden and crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until almost cooked through.
- Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken and reduce the heat to medium-low, spooning the glaze over the thighs frequently until it becomes sticky and caramelized (another 10-15 minutes).
Making the Slaw
- In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced apple. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper, then drizzle over the slaw and toss gently. Stir in chopped parsley or chives.
Serving
- Arrange the chicken thighs on plates alongside the autumn slaw and serve immediately.