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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Sticky apple cider chicken with crisp autumn slaw on white plate with fresh herbs
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Delightful fall-inspired dish featuring juicy, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with refreshing crunchy slaw. Perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 12-15 minutes.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large 12-inch 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 chicken is almost cooked through.
  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 thighs frequently, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully, about 3-4 minutes. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
  4. 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.
  5. Let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes. 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.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crisp skin and better caramelization.
  • Reduce the glaze thoroughly for a thick, sticky texture that clings well to the chicken.
  • Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to add brightness and balance the sweetness of the glaze.
  • Don’t overdress the slaw; keep it light to maintain crunch and freshness.
  • Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping chicken and slaw separate to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/sticky-apple-cider-chicken-with-crisp-autumn-slaw/