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Delicious Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with a side of autumn slaw on a plate

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

A delightful dish featuring chicken thighs glazed in a sticky apple cider sauce served alongside a crisp autumn slaw, perfect for cozy meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons honey Use Trader Joe's raw honey if available.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Consider splurging a little on quality.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • to taste pinch salt and pepper Generously season the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive) For searing the chicken.
For the Slaw
  • 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
  • to taste pinch salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Prepare the Glaze
  1. 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.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season 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.
  2. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until almost cooked through.
  3. Pour the 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.
Prepare the Slaw
  1. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and sliced apple.
  2. 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.
  3. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
Serve
  1. Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken thighs on plates alongside a generous portion of the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately.

Notes

Sear the chicken well for maximum flavor. Serve the chicken and slaw immediately for the best texture. You can prepare the glaze in advance and rewarm it before serving.