Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken combines juicy chicken thighs with a honey-cider glaze.Sear the chicken, add apple cider and honey, then finish it in the oven.Serve with crisp autumn apple slaw for a sweet and savory fall dinner.
Ingredients
Apple Cider Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
Autumn Apple Slaw
- 2 apples cut into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 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 to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken thighs. Sear for 2–3 minutes without moving them, or until the first side develops a deep golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and sear the second side for another 2–3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, honey, and water.
- Pour the apple cider mixture into the skillet around the seared chicken. Allow it to bubble and gently simmer for 1–2 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. Spoon plenty of the sticky apple cider sauce over the chicken before serving.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the autumn slaw. Combine the apple matchsticks, celery, red onion, and grated carrot in a large bowl. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and another small pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve the Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw alongside the freshly prepared slaw, spooning additional glaze over the chicken as desired.
Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work particularly well because they remain juicy while the honey and cider glaze caramelizes. Chicken breasts can be substituted, but cooking time should be adjusted according to their thickness.
For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken and apple slaw with roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, wild rice, or brown rice.
If you prefer a less creamy slaw, reduce the mayonnaise slightly and add another small splash of apple cider vinegar.