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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken in a cast iron skillet with brown sugar glaze

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

A delightful fall-inspired dish featuring juicy, caramelized chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing, crunchy slaw.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 6 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups green cabbage shredded
  • 1 cup carrots shredded
  • 1 medium apple preferably Granny Smith, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp celery seeds
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives chopped

Equipment

  • small saucepan
  • skillet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and 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. Cook the chicken: Heat 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. Glaze the chicken: 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. Make the crisp autumn slaw: While the chicken cooks, combine shredded green cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, 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.
  5. Plate and serve: 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 a thick, sticky texture. Use fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness. Don't overdress the slaw; keep it light to maintain crunch.
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