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Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
If fall had a flavor, this would be it.
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and perfectly balanced with fresh crunch on the side. The chicken is glazed in a reduced apple cider sauce that caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, sticky coating that clings to every bite.
Pair that with a crisp, vibrant slaw made from seasonal produce, and you’ve got a fall chicken dinner recipe that feels cozy but still fresh.
Why Apple Cider Makes the Perfect Glaze
Apple cider isn’t just for sipping. When reduced, it becomes:
- Naturally sweet
- Deeply concentrated
- Slightly tangy
- Perfect for caramelization
Combined with Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey, it transforms into a sticky apple cider glaze that rivals any restaurant sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh apple cider
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
For the Crisp Autumn Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded red cabbage
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Sticky Apple Cider Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear
Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Apple Cider Glaze
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in apple cider, Dijon, honey, apple cider vinegar, and thyme.
Simmer 8–10 minutes until reduced by about half and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Glaze and Finish
Return chicken to skillet. Spoon glaze over the top. Simmer 5–7 more minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and sauce becomes sticky and glossy.
The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw
Juicy chicken glazed in a sticky apple cider reduction served with fresh, crisp autumn slaw.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sear seasoned chicken in skillet until golden.
- Simmer apple cider glaze ingredients until reduced.
- Return chicken to skillet and glaze until cooked through.
Notes
Store slaw separately for best texture.
How to Make the Crisp Autumn Slaw
In a large bowl, combine red cabbage, green cabbage, carrot, and apple.
In a small bowl, whisk apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss dressing with slaw just before serving to keep it crisp.
Texture & Flavor Balance
This sweet and savory chicken recipe works because of contrast:
- Sticky, caramelized glaze
- Juicy tender chicken
- Cool, crunchy slaw
- Sweet + tangy + savory balance
Each bite feels layered and satisfying.
Pro Tips for Extra Flavor
- Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for deeper flavor
- Let the glaze reduce fully for maximum stickiness
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat
- Rest chicken 5 minutes before serving
Serving Ideas
This autumn chicken with slaw pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Wild rice
- Crusty bread
- Quinoa or farro bowls
It also works meal-prepped for weekday lunches.
Storage & Reheating
- Store chicken and slaw separately
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Reheat chicken gently in skillet to maintain glaze
- Toss slaw fresh before serving
Final Thoughts
Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw brings together everything we love about fall cooking—warm, sweet glaze and fresh seasonal crunch.
It’s comforting without being heavy. Elegant but easy. Sweet but balanced.
Once you try apple cider glazed chicken like this, it might just become your signature fall dinner.