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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken: Easy Dinner Recipe with Autumn Slaw

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Sticky, sweet, and savory apple cider–glazed chicken thighs paired with a bright, crunchy autumn slaw. A cozy fall-inspired dinner bursting with seasonal flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 thighs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fall-Inspired
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

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, thinly sliced (Granny Smith preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon celery seeds
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until reduced into a sticky glaze.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down until golden and crisp, 5–7 minutes. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the apple cider glaze over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, spooning glaze over the thighs until sticky and caramelized.
  4. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple.
  5. Whisk apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the slaw and toss to coat.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley or chives for a fresh finish.
  7. Serve glazed chicken with a generous portion of crisp autumn slaw.

Notes

For extra depth, add a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon to the apple cider glaze. The slaw also works wonderfully with dried cranberries or toasted pecans.