Disgustingly Good Sticky Apple Cider Chicken Recipe

Oh, the air is gettin’ crisp, isn’t it? You can just *smell* the change. And you know what that means… comfort food cravings are comin’ in HOT! I don’t know about you, but when the leaves start turnin’, I immediately start dreamin’ of apples. Not just eatin’ ’em, but cookin’ with ’em, too! Think warm apple pie, apple crisp… mmm!

But sometimes, you want somethin’ savory, ya know? That’s where this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw comes in, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. We’re talkin’ juicy chicken thighs, slathered in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze that’ll make you wanna lick the plate clean. And the slaw? Wowza! It’s got this amazing crunch and zing that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken. It’s the perfect fall dish, seriously! I made this for my family last week, and they just *inhaled* it.

I remember one fall, my grandma and I went apple picking, and we came home with, like, a *bushel* of ’em. We were makin’ everything apple-flavored for weeks! This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken? I think she would’ve loved it. It’s got that cozy, homey feel, but with a little somethin’ special.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Okay, so why should you even bother makin’ this dish? Lemme tell ya, it’s not just ’cause I said so! This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is seriously a winner for a bunch of reasons:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, who has time to spend *hours* in the kitchen on a weeknight? Not me! This recipe is ready in under an hour. From start to finish, you’re lookin’ at maybe 45 minutes, tops. Perfect for those nights when you’re starvin’ but don’t wanna order takeout.

Perfect Balance of Flavors

Sweet *and* savory? Yes, please! The sticky apple cider glaze gives the chicken this incredible sweetness, but the Dijon mustard and garlic keep it from being *too* sweet. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth, I swear!

A Refreshing Autumn Slaw

Oh, that slaw! It’s not your grandma’s mayo-drenched coleslaw, that’s for sure. This is crisp, tangy, and totally refreshing. The apple cider vinegar gives it a zing, and the Granny Smith apples add the perfect amount of tartness. It’s the best part, if you ask me.

Gluten-Free Friendly

No need to worry about gluten here! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which means everyone can enjoy it. Just double-check your Dijon mustard to be extra sure, but most are totally fine. See? Easy peasy!

Ingredients for Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have!

For the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

Trust me on this one – bone-in, skin-on thighs are the way to go. They’re just so much juicier!

1 cup apple cider

Make sure it’s just plain apple cider, not apple juice. Unsweetened is best so you can control the sweetness.

2 tablespoons honey

Any honey works, but I kinda love using raw honey for that extra little somethin’ somethin’.

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Gotta be Dijon! It gives the glaze that perfect little tang.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Freshly minced is a must! None of that jarred stuff, okay?

Salt and pepper, to taste

You know the drill – season it ’til it tastes good to *you*! I’m not gonna tell you how much salt and pepper to use.

1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)

Whatever you’ve got on hand works! I usually use olive oil, but vegetable oil is just fine, too.

For the Crisp Autumn Slaw

2 cups green cabbage, shredded

You can shred it yourself or grab a bag of pre-shredded cabbage to save some time. I won’t tell!

1 cup carrots, shredded

Same goes for the carrots! Pre-shredded is totally fine.

1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced

Granny Smith is my go-to ’cause it’s nice and tart, but you can use whatever apple you like! Just make sure it’s thinly sliced.

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Adds a nice little zing to the slaw. Don’t skip it!

1/4 teaspoon celery seeds

These little guys add a *ton* of flavor! Don’t leave ’em out!

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Fresh herbs make *all* the difference! Parsley or chives work great. Or even a mix of both!

How to Make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Okay, here’s the fun part! Let’s get down to how you actually *make* this amazing Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time.

Preparing the Sticky Apple Cider Glaze

Combine apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a saucepan.

Grab a small saucepan, and toss in that apple cider, honey, Dijon, and minced garlic. Easy peasy!

Simmer until reduced and thickened, about 15-20 minutes.

Now, turn the heat to medium-low and let that glaze simmer! You want it to reduce down and get nice and thick. It should coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but keep an eye on it! You don’t want it to burn.

Cooking the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Grab your favorite skillet (I like cast iron for this!), and heat up a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot so you can get that chicken skin crispy!

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Season those chicken thighs generously on both sides. This is your chance to add some flavor!

Sear skin side down until golden and crisp, about 6-8 minutes.

Carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Now, resist the urge to move them! Let them sear for about 6-8 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and super crispy. This is key to getting that amazing texture! Careful, it splatters!

Flip and cook until almost done, about 8-10 minutes.

Flip those chicken thighs over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they’re almost cooked through. They don’t have to be *completely* done at this point, ’cause they’re gonna finish cooking in that yummy glaze.

Glazing the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

Pour apple cider glaze over the chicken.

Now for the magic! Pour that sticky apple cider glaze over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Mmm, it smells amazing already, right?

Cook gently, spooning glaze over the thighs, until caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low, and gently cook the chicken in the glaze for another 5-7 minutes, spooning the glaze over the thighs as they cook. This will help them get all sticky and caramelized. This step will make your chicken sing!

Making the Crisp Autumn Slaw

Combine cabbage, carrots, and apple in a bowl.

While the chicken is glazing, let’s make the slaw! Just toss the shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced apple into a bowl. Easy peasy!

Whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper.

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. This is your dressing!

Drizzle dressing over slaw and toss.

Pour that dressing over the slaw, and toss it all together until everything’s nicely coated.

Stir in parsley or chives.

Finally, stir in the chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of freshness and color!

Serving the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Arrange chicken thighs on plates with slaw.

Okay, the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Arrange those beautiful, glazed chicken thighs on plates, and top with a generous serving of that crisp autumn slaw.

Serve immediately.

Serve it up right away while everything’s hot and fresh! Trust me, you and your family are gonna love this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw! Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Want to take your Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that’ll help you nail it every time!

Achieving Crispy Chicken Skin

Crispy chicken skin is the holy grail, right? Make sure your skillet is HOT before adding the chicken. And don’t move it! Let it sear undisturbed for those 6-8 minutes. That’s the secret! Patting the chicken skin dry with paper towels before searing helps, too!

Choosing the Right Apple

Granny Smith is my fave for the slaw because it’s tart and holds its shape, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work great, too! Just pick an apple that’s firm and slightly tart. You wanna contrast the sweetness of the glaze, ya know?

Adjusting the Sweetness

If you like things extra sweet, add a little more honey to the glaze. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. Taste as you go and adjust to *your* liking! That’s what cooking’s all about, right?

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

Okay, so maybe you don’t have *every* ingredient on hand? No sweat! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken!

Chicken Thigh Substitutions

Don’t have chicken thighs? No problem! You can totally use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Just keep in mind that chicken breasts will cook faster, so watch ’em carefully! And drumsticks might take a bit longer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, okay?

Apple Cider Alternatives

Out of apple cider? Oops! You can use apple juice in a pinch, but it’ll be sweeter, so maybe reduce the honey a little. Chicken broth works, too, for a less sweet glaze. I’d add a little extra Dijon if you go that route!

Slaw Vegetable Variations

Feel free to get creative with the slaw! Red cabbage adds a nice pop of color and a slightly different flavor. Fennel is also yummy! Just slice it super thin. Honestly, whatever veggies you’ve got in the fridge will probably work. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Got questions about this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw? I betcha do! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked, so hopefully this helps!

Can I make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw ahead of time?

You betcha! You can totally make the glaze and the slaw ahead of time. Just store ’em separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to eat, cook the chicken and glaze it up! The slaw is best if you don’t dress it until just before serving, though, so it stays nice and crisp. Nobody likes soggy slaw!

How do I store leftover Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw?

Store the chicken and the slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for about 3-4 days, and the slaw will keep for about 2 days. Just keep in mind the slaw will get a little softer over time, but it’ll still taste great!

Can I use a different type of vinegar in the Crisp Autumn Slaw?

Apple cider vinegar is my go-to for this slaw, but you can definitely experiment! White wine vinegar or rice vinegar would also be yummy. Just avoid using balsamic vinegar ’cause it’s too strong and will overpower the other flavors. Yuck!

Is Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw healthy?

Well, it’s all relative, right? This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw has protein from the chicken and vitamins from the veggies in the slaw. The glaze does have some sugar from the honey and apple cider, but you can always adjust the amount to your liking. It’s all about balance! So, enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, and don’t stress too much!

Serving Suggestions for Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw… now what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:

Side Dish Ideas

Fluffy rice is always a winner! It soaks up that yummy glaze perfectly. Roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, are also a great choice for fall. Or, if you’re feelin’ cozy, mashed potatoes are always a good idea. I like to add a little garlic to mine!

Wine Pairing Suggestions

Wanna get fancy? A crisp white wine pairs perfectly with this dish! Think Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the sweetness of the glaze. Cheers to that!

How to Store and Reheat Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Okay, so you made this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw, and somehow… *somehow*… you have leftovers? Wow! Here’s how to keep it yummy for round two!

Storing Leftovers

Whatever you do, store that chicken and slaw *separately*, okay? Otherwise, the slaw will get all soggy and sad. Nobody wants that! Airtight containers are your best friend here.

Reheating Instructions

For the chicken, I like to pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. You can also microwave it, but it might get a little rubbery. If you’re in a hurry, that’s fine! The slaw’s best cold, so no need to reheat that! Just grab it straight from the fridge!

Nutritional Information for Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* based on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if your numbers are different!

Rate This Recipe

Hey, if you try this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw, pretty please leave a rating and comment below! I wanna know what you think!

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