If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that perfectly captures the essence of fall, this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sticky, sweet apple cider glaze paired with a crisp, tangy slaw is comfort food elevated—bright, tasty, and full of seasonal charm.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Perfect Fall Flavors: The apple cider glaze and autumn slaw bring together the best tastes of the season for a dish that feels festive yet homey.
Easy One-Pan Cooking: Using just one skillet to sear and bake the chicken makes cleanup a breeze.
Balanced Meal in One: Juicy chicken and refreshing slaw create a harmony of textures and nutrients in every bite.
Impress Your Guests: This recipe looks elegant enough for entertaining but is simple enough for any weeknight.

On a white round plate placed on a white marbled surface, there is a crispy brown chicken piece garnished with green herbs on the right side. Next to it on the left is a colorful slaw made of thin, pale yellow apple slices, light green celery pieces, orange carrot strips, and small bits of purple onion, all mixed together and topped with chopped green herbs and black pepper. A gold fork rests on the plate on the right, with some black pepper sprinkled around the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw, Apple Cider Chicken recipe, Fall chicken dinner ideas, Easy autumn chicken dinner, Cozy apple cider chicken

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that each do something special: from the smoky paprika seasoning on the chicken, to the crisp apples in the slaw, and the sticky-sweet apple cider glaze that ties it all together. Each element builds layers of flavor and texture that make this dish sing.

Flat lay of boneless chicken thighs seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, fresh matchstick-cut apples, diced celery, finely grated bright orange carrot, small diced red onion, a drizzle of golden honey, a glass of amber apple cider, and a spoonful of creamy mayonnaise, all beautifully arranged with sprigs of fresh garlic cloves and a touch of apple cider vinegar, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw, Apple Cider Chicken recipe, Fall chicken dinner ideas, Easy autumn chicken dinner, Cozy apple cider chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and develop those beautiful caramelized edges when seared.
Apple Cider & Honey: These create the signature sticky glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive.
Smoked Paprika & Garlic Powder: Essential for a smoky depth that elevates the chicken beyond ordinary.

Apples in Autumn Slaw: Use crisp varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for perfect crunch and flavor.
Mayonnaise & Apple Cider Vinegar: They make the slaw creamy yet bright with acidity.
Olive Oil: For searing your chicken to golden perfection and adding richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until gloriously golden and crispy, then flip and repeat for the other side. This initial sear locks in juices and creates that crave-worthy caramelized crust.

Step 2: Add the Apple Cider Glaze & Simmer

While the chicken is still in the pan, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water, then pour it over. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes right on the stove, soaking all that sticky goodness into the chicken. This simple glaze delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with every bite.

Step 3: Finish Cooking in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken cooks through beautifully without drying out. Let it rest for about 10 minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute, then slice and drizzle with that irresistible sticky apple cider sauce from the pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Autumn Apple Slaw

While the chicken bakes, toss together your slaw ingredients—crisp apples cut into matchsticks, diced celery, red onion, and freshly grated carrot. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and minced garlic, then toss it through the apple mixture for a creamy, vibrant slaw that adds crunch and freshness to balance the sticky chicken.

How to Serve Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two main parts. On the right, there are six pieces of golden brown, roasted chicken with a shiny, slightly sticky glaze, showing a crisp texture with some herbs sprinkled on top. On the left side, a colorful salad of thin apple sticks, shredded carrots, and finely chopped celery is mixed with small onion pieces and sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper. The salad shows light green, orange, and pale yellow colors with a fresh, crisp texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw, Apple Cider Chicken recipe, Fall chicken dinner ideas, Easy autumn chicken dinner, Cozy apple cider chicken

Garnishes

Garnish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of green freshness. A light dusting of extra smoked paprika over the chicken can also add visual warmth and enhance the smoky undertones. If you love a bit of zest, a few lemon or lime wedges on the side brighten the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe is a satisfying meal on its own, but feel free to pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to round out the plate. A crusty baguette or warm cornbread offers great texture contrasts and soaks up extra sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming and casual presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of arugula or baby spinach and pile the slaw to one side. You can also serve individual portions in small cast iron skillets for a rustic touch. Another idea is to slice the chicken thinly and layer it on toasted sandwiches alongside the slaw for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sticky apple cider chicken and autumn slaw keep great in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and slaw separately to maintain optimal texture—slaw can get soggy if left sitting with the chicken for too long.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. The slaw is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid freezing it. When ready, thaw chicken overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken covered in a low oven (around 300°F) to keep it moist, or gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to prevent drying. Add a quick toss of freshly made slaw to keep the meal crisp and refreshing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work, but since they’re leaner, be careful not to overcook them to keep them juicy. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and watch the temperature closely.

What type of apples work best in the slaw?

Choose crisp and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They add great texture and a nice balance to the creamy slaw dressing.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your apple cider and mayonnaise don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
Is there a way to make the glaze spicier?

Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the apple cider glaze while it simmers for a warm, spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe a try—it’s one of those meals that instantly feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The blend of sticky-sweet chicken with bright, crunchy slaw will quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw Recipe