Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the scent of simmering apple cider wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a cozy autumn harvest. This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw embodies everything I love about fall—a perfect blend of sweet and savory in a gluten-free dish that’s both effortless and crowd-pleasing. Picture succulent chicken thighs glazed to sticky perfection, paired with a refreshing slaw bursting with seasonal flavors. It’s the kind of meal that not only warms the heart but also brightens family dinners and gatherings. Plus, the best part? It’s versatile enough to adapt to any pantry stock! How do you envision making this scrumptious dish your own? What Makes This Chicken Dish Special? Comforting Warmth: The combination of warm, sticky chicken and refreshing slaw is perfect for chilly nights. Flavorful Balance: The sweet apple cider glaze complements the savory chicken, while the crisp veggies add a delightful crunch. Quick and Easy: Pull together this dish in under an hour—perfect for spontaneous gatherings or busy weeknights. Endless Customization: Swap out veggies in the slaw or alter the sweetness of the glaze to suit your taste; the possibilities are endless! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This dish is sure to impress family and friends, much like my Moo Shu Chicken, which combines hearty flavors with ease. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed dinner or hosting friends, this chicken recipe will shine. Apple Cider Chicken Ingredients • Perfect for your cozy fall meals! For the Glaze Apple Cider – Infuses a sweet depth to the dish; apple juice can be used for a lighter flavor. Honey – Adds a natural sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cider. Dijon Mustard – Offers a zesty kick that enhances the glaze’s complexity. Garlic (minced) – Brings aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish. For the Chicken Chicken Thighs – Juicy and flavorful cuts ideal for searing and caramelizing nicely. For the Slaw Cabbage (shredded) – The crunchy base of the slaw that adds volume. Carrots (shredded) – Contributes a hint of sweetness and vibrant color. Apple (thinly sliced) – Provides a crisp and fresh element that perfectly complements the rich chicken. Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy element to the slaw dressing for balanced acidity. Celery Seeds – Enhances the flavor profile of the slaw dressing. For Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Essential for amplifying flavors throughout the dish. Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives) – Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to finish your plate. Now you’re all set to create this delightful Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw! Enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Step 1: Prepare the Glaze In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir frequently and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a sticky consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This glaze will beautifully enhance the flavors of your Apple Cider Chicken. Step 2: Sear the Chicken While the glaze simmers, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5–7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. This step is crucial for building flavor and achieving that desired texture. Step 3: Glaze the Chicken Once the chicken has a nice sear, carefully flip the thighs and pour the prepared apple cider glaze over them. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the glaze to bubble gently. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is sticky, caramelized, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This will infuse your Apple Cider Chicken with rich flavor. Step 4: Prepare the Slaw In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cabbage, 1 cup of shredded carrots, and 1 thinly sliced apple. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of celery seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well to combine, ensuring the crisp vegetables remain vibrant and fresh. Step 5: Serve and Garnish To serve, plate the sticky apple cider chicken alongside a generous portion of the autumn slaw. Garnish the dishes with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. This delightful presentation makes your Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw not only a cozy meal but also a visually appealing one! Expert Tips for Apple Cider Chicken Glaze Consistency: Ensure the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon for the perfect stickiness on the chicken. Keep Slaw Fresh: Dress the slaw just before serving to avoid sogginess; this keeps the vegetables crunchy and vibrant. Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are the best choice for moisture and flavor, but if you prefer a leaner cut, chicken breasts can also work. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container, separating the chicken and slaw to maintain the slaw’s crunchiness. Experiment with Flavors: Play with the sweetness of the glaze by adjusting the honey or trying maple syrup for an added depth in your Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw. What to Serve with Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Cozying up for a delightful meal is easy when you have the perfect pairings to enhance your dining experience! Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes provide a rich, velvety texture that balances the sticky glaze of the chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food duo. Roasted Root Vegetables: The earthy flavors of roasted carrots and sweet potatoes beautifully complement the sweet-tangy glaze, making each bite a heartfelt celebration of autumn. Warm Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and a slight crunch, perfectly contrast to the sticky chicken and slaw. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a satisfying crunch and slightly bitter notes that enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile. Apple Cider Sangria: For a drink that echoes the flavors of your meal, this festive sangria, made with seasonal fruits and apple cider, is a delightful choice to sip alongside your dish. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: A warm, spiced muffin adds a cozy touch to your meal while serving as a comforting dessert that guests will adore. Ginger Bread Cookies: These soft and aromatic cookies bring holiday cheer and sweetness, creating a harmonious finish to your autumn-themed feast. Elevate your dinner experience by mixing and matching these delightful sides with your Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw! Make Ahead Options These Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the apple cider glaze up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before glazing the chicken. The slaw can also be assembled up to 3 days ahead—just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain its freshness and crunch. When you’re set to enjoy this cozy dish, sear the chicken thighs and pour the warmed glaze over them, then plate alongside the slaw for a delightful meal that feels effortless yet deliciously satisfying. Apple Cider Chicken with Slaw Variations Feel free to get creative with this delightful dish and make it your own—there are so many wonderfully tasty twists to consider! Vegetable Swap: Use seasonal veggies like kale or radishes in the slaw for a refreshing crunch. Dairy-Free: Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly glaze that still brings sweetness. Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy kick that balances the sweetness. Herb Change: Try fresh dill or thyme in the slaw instead of parsley for a different fresh twist, adding an aromatic flair. Gluten-Free Flour: For a thicker glaze, mix a bit of cornstarch slurry before simmering, ensuring it remains gluten-free. Zesty Variation: Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a citrusy twist that brightens the flavor profile. Nutty Crunch: Top the slaw with toasted walnuts or pecans for an added layer of texture and a delightful, nutty flavor. Syrup Alternative: Use maple syrup in the glaze for a unique sweetness, combining exquisitely with the apple cider. Your cozy version of Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw will surely become a family favorite—just like my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaves or the seasonal joy found in Rainbow Chicken Salad! How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the slaw’s crunch, keep it separate from the chicken. Freezer: You can freeze the glazed chicken for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container or bag, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20–25 minutes. The slaw should be freshly dressed right before serving for the best texture. Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe FAQs What type of apple cider should I use for the glaze? Absolutely! You want to use fresh apple cider for a rich sweetness and depth of flavor in your glaze. I recommend choosing unfiltered apple cider if available; however, if you’re in a pinch, regular apple juice can work as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor won’t be as robust. How should I store leftovers from this dish? For sure! Store any leftovers of your Apple Cider Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To ensure that your slaw remains fresh and crunchy, I suggest keeping it in a separate container. Can I freeze the chicken for later use? Certainly! You can freeze the glazed chicken for up to 2 months. To do this, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes until heated through. What should I do if the glaze isn’t thickening properly? Very! If your glaze isn’t thickening, continue to simmer it over medium heat while stirring frequently. This can take anywhere from an additional 5 to 10 minutes; just keep an eye on it. The right consistency is when the glaze coats the back of a spoon. If you find it’s still too thin, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry, then stir that into the simmering glaze to help it thicken further. Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten allergies? Absolutely! This Apple Cider Chicken is naturally gluten-free, but it’s essential to check your ingredients, especially the Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar, for any hidden gluten. It’s always a good practice to look for labeled gluten-free products when cooking for individuals with dietary restrictions. Can I customize the slaw ingredients? The more the merrier! This slaw is highly adaptable. You can swap out veggies like bell peppers, or add some pears for a touch of sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill instead of parsley or chives also add a unique twist. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw for Cozy Nights No ratings yet Enjoy this Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors for cozy autumn nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Glaze1 cup Apple Cider Infuses a sweet depth to the dish; apple juice can be used for a lighter flavor.2 tablespoons Honey Adds a natural sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cider.1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Offers a zesty kick that enhances the glaze's complexity.2 cloves Garlic (minced) Brings aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Thighs Juicy and flavorful cuts ideal for searing and caramelizing nicely.For the Slaw2 cups Cabbage (shredded) The crunchy base of the slaw that adds volume.1 cup Carrots (shredded) Contributes a hint of sweetness and vibrant color.1 piece Apple (thinly sliced) Provides a crisp and fresh element that perfectly complements the rich chicken.3 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Adds a tangy element to the slaw dressing for balanced acidity.1 teaspoon Celery Seeds Enhances the flavor profile of the slaw dressing.For Seasoningto taste Salt Essential for amplifying flavors throughout the dish.to taste Pepper Essential for amplifying flavors throughout the dish.to garnish Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Chives) Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to finish your plate. Equipment saucepanSkilletMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic cloves. Stir frequently and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a sticky consistency that coats the back of a spoon.While the glaze simmers, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crisp.Once the chicken has a nice sear, carefully flip the thighs and pour the prepared apple cider glaze over them. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the glaze to bubble gently. Cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is sticky and caramelized.In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple. In a separate bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well.To serve, plate the sticky apple cider chicken alongside a generous portion of the autumn slaw and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesDress the slaw just before serving to avoid sogginess and maintain crunchiness. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping chicken and slaw separate. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
