Description
Sticky apple cider chicken thighs glazed in a sweet-savory sauce served with a crunchy autumn slaw made from apples and seasonal vegetables. A cozy and flavorful fall-inspired dish perfect for weeknights or guests.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons olive oil (for cooking)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fresh thyme, for garnish (optional)
2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 carrot, julienned
1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil (for slaw dressing)
1 teaspoon maple syrup (for slaw dressing)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Whisk together the apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a bowl to make the glaze.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with a bit of salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Pour the cider glaze over the chicken, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through and cook until sauce thickens into a sticky glaze.
- While the chicken cooks, toss together the green and red cabbage, julienned carrot, and apple in a large bowl.
- In a small jar, whisk the apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, salt, and pepper to make the slaw dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly. Add chopped pecans if using.
- To serve, plate the slaw and top with glazed chicken. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
Use fresh, non-alcoholic apple cider for the best flavor.
For a leaner version, substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts.
Make the recipe gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for extra depth.
Top slaw with goat cheese or feta for extra indulgence.
Store chicken and slaw separately; reheat chicken gently and enjoy slaw fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg