Introduction

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for crisp fall evenings. Tender chicken thighs are glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired beautifully with a refreshing slaw featuring fresh apples and crunchy vegetables.

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup apple cider
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water
2 apples, cut into matchsticks
½ cup diced celery
¼ 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
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Step 2: Season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until deeply golden.
Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water. Pour this mixture into the skillet over the chicken and let it bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon the sticky sauce from the pan over the chicken before serving.
Step 6: To make the autumn slaw, combine apples, celery, red onion, and grated carrot in a large bowl. Toss with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss well until combined.
Step 8: Serve the sticky apple cider chicken alongside the fresh autumn slaw.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the chicken seasoning.
Swap out mayonnaise in the slaw dressing for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, any oven-safe pan will work well.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. The slaw is best served cold and can be enjoyed as a crisp side for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can dry out more easily. Be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly and check for doneness to keep the chicken juicy.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Toss it again before serving to refresh the flavors and texture.

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe

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5 from 148 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Sticky Apple Cider Chicken served with a fresh and crunchy Autumn Apple Slaw. The chicken is seared and then baked in a sticky, sweet-tart apple cider and honey sauce, making it tender and juicy. The vibrant slaw complements the dish perfectly with a mix of apples, celery, carrot, and red onion tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup apple cider
¼ cup honey
¼ cup water

Autumn Apple Slaw

2 apples, cut into matchsticks
½ cup diced celery
¼ 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
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for baking the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs evenly on all sides with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden on one side, then flip and sear the other side for similar color and texture.
Add Sauce and Simmer: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly and coat the chicken.
Bake the Chicken: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. After baking, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Prepare the Autumn Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the matchstick apples, diced celery, diced red onion, and finely grated carrot. Toss gently with a pinch of salt and pepper to season.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and another pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and combined.
Toss the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the apple-vegetable mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Spoon the sticky apple cider sauce over the sliced chicken and serve immediately alongside the fresh autumn slaw for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Notes

Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to sear and bake the chicken for best results and easy transfer to the oven.
Resting the chicken after baking ensures it stays juicy and tender when sliced.
Adjust the sweetness of the slaw dressing by adding more or less honey according to taste.
For extra crunch in the slaw, consider adding toasted walnuts or pecans.
Ensure the chicken thighs are of uniform thickness for even cooking.

Keywords: apple cider chicken, sticky chicken, autumn slaw, apple slaw, baked chicken thighs, fall recipes, easy dinner, healthy chicken dinner