Description
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw is a perfect seasonal dish combining tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider and honey sauce, paired with a crisp, refreshing autumn apple slaw. Ideal for cozy fall dinners, it balances warm, savory flavors with the fresh crunch of apples, celery, and carrots.
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 Fahrenheit to prepare for finishing the chicken in the oven.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs all over with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to add flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until deeply golden, creating a flavorful crust.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together apple cider, honey, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly to start building the sticky glaze.
- Oven Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing, then spoon the sticky sauce from the pan over the chicken when serving.
- Make Autumn Slaw: In a large bowl, combine matchstick apples, diced celery, red onion, and grated carrot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dress Slaw: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the apple mixture and toss well to combine. Serve the slaw alongside the chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- The apple cider sauce can be thickened slightly by simmering longer if a stickier glaze is preferred.
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the slaw dressing.
- Cast-iron or oven-safe skillet is essential for transitioning from stovetop searing to oven baking.
- The slaw is best served fresh for maximum crispness.
