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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing autumn slaw packed with seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

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
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • large skillet
  • large bowl
  • Spoon for basting

Method
 

  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 and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a 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.
  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. Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken thighs on plates alongside a generous portion of the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure crisp skin. Reduce the glaze thoroughly for thick, sticky texture. Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness. Don't overdress the slaw to maintain crunch. Let chicken rest briefly after cooking.
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