Apple Glazed Chicken with Braised Cabbage

In American farmhouse kitchens, apple cider often sweetens savory autumn dinners. This skillet meal pairs seared chicken thighs with a glossy apple-maple glaze and tender braised cabbage for a cozy weeknight plate.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 45 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 480 cal
• 32g protein
• 28g carbs
• 26g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 4 (about 2 lb) bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 small head (about 1.5 lb) green cabbage
• 2 medium Honeycrisp or Fuji apples
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 6 fresh sage leaves
• 3/4 cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp optional caraway seeds
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Core the cabbage and cut into 1-inch wedges or thick shreds. Core and slice the apples into half-moons; thinly slice the onion.
2. 2Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear without moving until the skin is deep golden and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and cook 3 minutes more; transfer to a plate.
3. 3Pour off all but a thin film of fat. Add the onion and cabbage to the skillet with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and starts to brown at the edges, about 8 minutes.
4. 4Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sage, and caraway if using; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Nestle the apple slices among the cabbage.
5. 5Whisk together the apple cider, vinegar, Dijon, and maple syrup. Pour the mixture into the skillet and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
6. 6Return the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the cabbage. Add the thyme sprigs and the butter.
7. 7Transfer the skillet to a 375°F oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches 175°F internally and the glaze is sticky and reduced.
8. 8Rest 5 minutes. Spoon the braised cabbage and apples onto plates, top with a chicken thigh, and drizzle with pan juices. Finish with extra cracked pepper.