Dinner

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw Recipe

ByZoe Lane December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Introduction

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken paired with Crisp Autumn Slaw offers a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh flavors. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something hearty yet bright and refreshing.

A white plate holds a sliced, golden-brown grilled chicken breast topped with a glossy dark brown sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Next to the chicken is a colorful side of coleslaw made of thinly sliced purple cabbage, orange carrot shreds, and light green cabbage mixed with a creamy dressing. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 cup carrots, shredded
1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces and thickens into a sticky glaze that coats the back of a spoon.
Cook the chicken: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Place them skin side down and sear until the skin is golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Glaze the chicken: Pour the prepared apple cider glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook gently, spooning the glaze over the thighs frequently, until the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, coating the chicken beautifully.
Make the crisp autumn slaw: While the chicken cooks, combine the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced apple in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, celery seeds, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the slaw and toss gently to combine. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley or chives for brightness.
Plate and serve: Arrange the sticky apple cider chicken thighs on plates alongside a generous portion of the crisp autumn slaw. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of sticky, sweet chicken and refreshing, crunchy slaw.

Tips & Variations

For extra crisp skin, pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning.
Substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle heat.
Use red cabbage instead of green for a colorful slaw variation.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the sticky glaze. The slaw is best enjoyed fresh but can be chilled and served cold within the storage period.

How to Serve

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds sliced grilled chicken breast arranged in a neat pile on the left side, showing juicy, browned edges with a glaze that gives a shiny texture. To the right, there is a colorful coleslaw made of thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, and green herbs, adding a mix of green, purple, and orange colors with a fresh, crunchy look. The dish is lightly garnished with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, enhancing the presentation. The whole meal looks fresh and well balanced in colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Watch the cooking time closely and adjust accordingly.

Is apple cider vinegar necessary for the slaw dressing?

Apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the apple and honey glaze. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed, but the flavor profile will slightly change.