Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage

Celebrate the flavors of Bavaria with this hearty and comforting dish. Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage combines tender chicken thighs, smoky bacon, and tangy red cabbage, all simmered together to create a sweet and savory meal that’s perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.​Luna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavors: Captures the essence of traditional German cuisine with a balance of sweet and sour notes.
• One-Pan Meal: Simplifies cooking and cleanup by using a single skillet.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizes autumnal produce like apples and cabbage.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with various sides such as potatoes or spaetzle.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

this Recipe

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 large apple, cored and sliced
• 1 head red cabbage, cored and sliced
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• ¼ cup dry red wine
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)​Luna Recipe+5Punchfork+5Groups.io+5Adams Fairacre Farms+3Groups.io+3crockpotgirl.com+3Cooking Secrets for Men+7Allrecipes+7Allrecipes+7Cooking Secrets for Men+6Allrecipes+6Allrecipes+6Punchfork+3crockpotgirl.com+3Allrecipes+3Punchfork+3Adams Fairacre Farms+3crockpotgirl.com+3

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large oven-safe or cast-iron skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon and crumble; leave drippings in the skillet.
3. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and smoked paprika. Dredge chicken thighs in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Brown the chicken in the skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
5. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of drippings from the skillet. Add sliced onion and apple; cook until onion is translucent and apple is softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in sliced red cabbage and crumbled bacon; season with additional salt to taste. Cook, stirring often, until cabbage is softened, 5 to 8 minutes.
7. Add red wine vinegar and dry red wine to the skillet. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon (if using). Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
8. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the cabbage mixture.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cabbage is tender, about 40 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh should read at least 165°F (74°C).​Luna Recipe+3crockpotgirl.com+3Allrecipes+3Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1Adams Fairacre Farms+2Allrecipes+2crockpotgirl.com+2crockpotgirl.com+4Adams Fairacre Farms+4Cooking Secrets for Men+4

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes​Log in or sign up to view+16crockpotgirl.com+16Luna Recipe+16Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+8Pinterest+8Allrecipes+8

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use pork chops or turkey thighs instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit bacon and chicken; add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or caraway seeds for extra flavor.
• Different Apples: Try Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for added sweetness.
• Wine Alternatives: Substitute red wine with apple cider or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.​Cooking Secrets for Men+2Groups.io+2Taste of Home+2

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a covered dish.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.​

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but you can also use bone-in thighs or drumsticks.​

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the flavors develop even more after a day. Prepare as directed, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.​

What sides pair well with this dish?

Traditional sides include boiled potatoes, spaetzle, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.​

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?

Yes, you can use additional red wine vinegar, grape juice, or beef broth as a substitute.​

Can I use green cabbage instead of red?

While red cabbage offers a sweeter flavor and vibrant color, green cabbage can be used as an alternative.​

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).​

Can I use boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, but they may cook faster and can be less juicy than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.​

What type of apple works best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well during cooking and balance the dish’s sweetness.​Taste of Home+1Luna Recipe+1

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.​

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Carrots, parsnips, or potatoes can be added for extra heartiness.​

Conclusion

Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage is a delightful dish that brings the warmth and flavors of German cuisine to your table. Its combination of savory chicken, sweet apples, and tangy cabbage creates a harmonious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Oktoberfest or simply craving a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Print