Description
This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Autumn Slaw is a perfect cozy meal combining tender, juicy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy apple cider sauce, paired with a refreshing and crunchy fall-inspired slaw. The dish features a flavorful sear followed by oven roasting, making it both savory and packed with autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup apple cider
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
For the Autumn Slaw:
- 2 apples, cut into matchsticks
- ½ cup diced celery
- ¼ 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 and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for roasting the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken thighs all over with kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder evenly so each piece is flavorful.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, searing for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, honey, and water until combined. Pour this mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet, allowing it to bubble and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes on the stovetop.
- Roast Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Make Autumn Slaw: In a large bowl, combine the matchstick apples, diced celery, red onion, and grated carrot. Season lightly with kosher salt and pepper.
- Prepare Slaw Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate small bowl.
- Toss Slaw: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken and spoon the sticky apple cider sauce over the top. Serve alongside the fresh autumn slaw for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet to ensure smooth transition from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness in the sauce and slaw dressing.
- Apples work best if crisp and firm, such as Gala or Honeycrisp.
- Letting the chicken rest after roasting keeps it juicy and locks in the flavors.
- This dish pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a light grain like quinoa for a fuller meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple cider chicken, roasted chicken thighs, autumn slaw, fall recipe, sticky chicken, seasonal slaw
