Sticky apple cider chicken served with autumn slaw on a plate.

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

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why make this recipe

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for fall. The chicken is tender and flavorful, thanks to a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. Served with a crunchy, fresh slaw, this meal is a great balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are simple, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.

how to make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 apples, cut into matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  4. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s golden brown.
  5. Flip the chicken and sear the other side.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water.
  7. Pour this mixture over the chicken and let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing it, and spoon the sticky sauce over the top.
  10. For the slaw, combine the apples, celery, onion, and carrots in a bowl. Toss with salt and pepper.
  11. In another bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, garlic, and add more salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss well.
  13. Serve the chicken alongside the fresh slaw.

how to serve Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

Serve the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken warm on a plate with a generous portion of the autumn slaw. It makes a colorful and healthy meal. You can add some crusty bread on the side to soak up the extra sticky sauce if you like.

how to store Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

To store leftovers, let the chicken and slaw cool completely. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The slaw can also be stored in a separate airtight container for about 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave before serving again.

tips to make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

  • Make sure to sear the chicken well for a nice crust before transferring it to the oven. This step adds extra flavor.
  • Don’t skip resting the chicken after baking; this helps keep it juicy.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the slaw by adding more or less honey in the dressing to suit your taste.

variation

You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the slaw for extra crunch. For a spicy kick, toss in some thinly sliced jalapeños. If you prefer a different protein, boneless pork chops can be used instead of chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even some good crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy!

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw

A comforting and delicious dish perfect for fall, featuring tender chicken glazed with sweet and tangy apple cider, served alongside a crunchy autumn slaw.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • to taste Kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
For the Slaw
  • 2 whole apples, cut into matchsticks
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
  4. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until it's golden brown.
  5. Flip the chicken and sear the other side.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water.
  7. Pour this mixture over the chicken and let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  2. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing it, and spoon the sticky sauce over the top.
Making the Slaw
  1. Combine the apples, celery, onion, and carrots in a bowl. Toss with salt and pepper.
  2. In another bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, and add more salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss well.
Serving
  1. Serve the chicken alongside the fresh slaw.

Notes

Make sure to sear the chicken well for a nice crust before transferring it to the oven. Resting the chicken after baking helps keep it juicy. Adjust the sweetness of the slaw by modifying the honey in the dressing to suit your taste.