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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is a delightful fall recipe combining juicy, crispy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing slaw made of fresh apples, cabbage, carrots, and fennel. This dish balances warm, sticky flavors with crisp, vibrant textures, perfect for celebrating the best of autumn flavors in a wholesome and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Glaze

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Crisp Autumn Slaw

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 large fresh apple, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup thinly sliced fennel
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin, then season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures flavorful, well-textured chicken after cooking.
  2. Make the Apple Cider Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, maple syrup (or honey), and mustard until fully combined to create a smooth, sticky glaze that will coat the chicken.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Flip the chicken, pour the glaze over, then reduce heat and simmer until the glaze thickens and clings to the chicken, about 8-10 minutes longer, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Prepare the Autumn Slaw: While the chicken cooks, combine shredded cabbage, thinly sliced apples, carrots, and fennel in a large bowl. Toss with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let the slaw rest for 10 minutes to meld flavors and soften slightly.
  5. Serve: Plate the sticky, glazed chicken thighs alongside a generous portion of crisp autumn slaw. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired for a colorful and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Always pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin.
  • Allow the apple cider glaze to simmer and reduce fully to get a thick, sticky coating.
  • Slice apples thinly in the slaw for the best texture balance without overpowering the cabbage.
  • Use fresh, high-quality apple cider to maximize the sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Let the slaw rest for about 10 minutes before serving to soften and blend the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider chicken, autumn recipes, fall slaw, sticky glaze chicken, seasonal recipes, healthy chicken recipe, crispy skin chicken

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/sticky-apple-cider-chicken-with-crisp-autumn-slaw/