Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw

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Sweet, savory fall dinner

This Sticky Apple Cider Chicken with Crisp Autumn Slaw is the kind of cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels perfect for cooler evenings 🍎🍗. Tender chicken is glazed in a glossy apple cider sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and lightly savory, then paired with a fresh, crunchy slaw for balance. It’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for busy schedules. The chicken cooks quickly in one pan, while the slaw comes together in minutes—no oven required. If you’re craving comforting fall flavors without heavy ingredients, this recipe hits that sweet spot beautifully.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients List

Sticky Apple Cider Chicken

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Crisp Autumn Slaw

  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium apple, julienned or thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Slaw Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or spatula

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

Make the Chicken

  1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in apple cider, vinegar, honey, Dijon, and thyme.
  6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and looks glossy.
  7. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top, until chicken is cooked through 🍯

Make the Slaw

  1. In a large bowl, combine cabbages, apple, carrots, and parsley.
  2. Whisk together slaw dressing ingredients until smooth.
  3. Toss slaw with dressing just before serving for maximum crunch 🥗

💡 Pro Tips

  • Extra sticky sauce: Let the cider glaze reduce an extra minute for a thicker finish.
  • Apple choice: Use Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best sweet-crisp slaw texture.
  • Meal prep: Store chicken and slaw separately; both keep well for up to 3 days.
  • Swap option: Chicken breasts work too—reduce simmer time slightly to avoid drying out.

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