If you’re dreaming of a dish that perfectly captures the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, you’ll fall head over heels for this Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe. It brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a luscious apple cider glaze, paired beautifully with a vibrant, crunchy slaw packed with fresh seasonal produce. Every bite bursts with a harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that feel like a warm hug on a cool day. This recipe is a delightful celebration of autumn ingredients that’s surprisingly simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each one adding a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color to the dish. From the tangy brightness of apple cider vinegar to the crunchy freshness of the slaw, everything works together to create a well-balanced plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful, perfect for absorbing the marinade and staying tender while cooking.
- 1 cup apple cider: Adds a natural sweetness and fruitiness that’s signature to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy kick that brightens and balances the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides a deep umami flavor and saltiness to enhance the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with rich, warm sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the apple flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and rounds out the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat that brings everything to life.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage: The crisp base of the autumn slaw, keeping every bite refreshing.
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage: Adds vibrant color and a slight earthiness to the slaw.
- 1 large carrot, grated: Brings sweetness and crunch.
- ½ cup sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The star of the slaw, juicy with tart or sweet notes depending on your apple choice.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh herbal lift.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers a nutty crunch if you want an extra texture.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing all these flavors together.
How to Make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This blend creates a marinade that’s both sweet and tangy with a depth of flavor that will soak right into the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more pronounced the sticky apple cider flavor will be.
Step 3: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the chicken after searing. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and develops a perfect glaze.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it in the skillet. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms. This step locks in the juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake with marinade
Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken in the skillet and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the sauce for maximum stickiness and flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the crisp autumn slaw
While the chicken bakes, toss together shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, sliced apples, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. This mix offers a refreshing bite with every forkful, balancing the warm, saucy chicken.
Step 7: Dress the slaw
Whisk a splash of apple cider vinegar with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Pour this simple dressing over the slaw and toss thoroughly until every shred is lightly coated, enhancing the crunch and complementing the chicken’s sweetness.
Step 8: Rest, slice, and serve
Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Slice and serve over a generous bed of the crisp autumn slaw. For an optional finishing flair, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for a nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sticky glaze.
How to Serve Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
An extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or crunchy nuts like walnuts or pecans really elevates the presentation and adds texture contrast. They bring a pop of color and an inviting aroma, making this dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a warm grain like quinoa or farro to soak up every bit of that sticky, flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual weeknight meal, serve the chicken sliced atop the slaw on rustic plates. For a more elegant dinner, consider plating the chicken whole, drizzled with extra glaze alongside a neatly piled slaw mound, garnished with nuts and parsley. Serving in small warm tortillas or over toasted bread slices also makes a fantastic handheld option for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the slaw undressed until just before serving helps preserve its crisp texture.
Freezing
The chicken, without the slaw, freezes well for up to 2 months. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag with some of the sticky sauce. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain its texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. Serve freshly tossed slaw cold alongside for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You absolutely can! Chicken thighs are more forgiving due to their higher fat content and stay juicier, but chicken breasts will work if you watch the cooking time carefully to prevent drying out.
What type of apples work best in the slaw?
Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness while Honeycrisp offers a sweeter crunch. Either works wonderfully depending on your preference for balancing the slaw’s flavors.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating for at least an hour imparts flavor, allowing the chicken to rest overnight really deepens the taste and helps the sticky glaze penetrate more thoroughly. It’s worth the wait!
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain that perfect crisp texture and freshness.
What can I substitute for the nuts if I have allergies?
You can omit the nuts altogether or try pumpkin seeds or toasted sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without allergens.
Final Thoughts
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and easy techniques can come together to create a truly memorable meal. From the sticky, flavorful chicken to the refreshing, crisp slaw, every element sings with the spirit of fall. I can’t wait for you to try it—you might just find a new seasonal favorite that’s perfect for any dinner occasion!
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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful fall-inspired dish combining tender, marinated chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired perfectly with a fresh and crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrot, and crisp apples. The chicken is seared to lock in flavors and then oven-baked to juicy perfection, making it a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade and Cooking
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Crisp Autumn Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1 large carrot, grated
- ½ cup sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Apple cider vinegar (a splash, for dressing)
- Olive oil (a drizzle, for dressing)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together apple cider, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to infuse the chicken with rich flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then sear each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Pour the reserved marinade over the seared chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the Autumn Slaw: While the chicken bakes, combine shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, sliced apples, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss everything to mix well.
- Dress the Slaw: In a small bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pour this dressing over the slaw and toss until evenly coated, adding texture and tangy brightness.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest a few minutes before slicing. Serve the sticky apple cider chicken on a bed of crisp autumn slaw, garnished with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or pecans in the slaw.
- Ensure the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- The apple cider vinegar dressing can be adjusted to taste with more or less vinegar or oil.
