Oktoberfest chicken red cabbage

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Recipes

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs baked on a bed of tangy red cabbage, sweet apples, and caramelized onions. The cabbage mixture is flavored with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and caraway seeds, creating a balanced sweet-and-sour taste. Butter adds a rich touch, while seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the savory notes. Baked uncovered after initial covered cooking, the chicken skin crisps beautifully, complimenting the tender vegetables below. A sprinkle of parsley finishes the dish, ideal for family dinners or festive occasions.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:10:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage Bake with tender chicken and vibrant cabbage. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage Bake with tender chicken and vibrant cabbage. | saffronmoss.com

A hearty Bavarian-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken baked atop sweet-and-sour red cabbage, apples, and onions perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners.

This dish brings back warm memories of Oktoberfest celebrations with family, filling the house with inviting aromas and joy.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • Red Cabbage Mixture: 1 small red cabbage about 1½ lbs cored and thinly sliced, 2 medium apples e.g. Braeburn or Granny Smith peeled cored and thinly sliced, 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced, ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp caraway seeds optional, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • Garnish Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Step 2:
Pat chicken thighs dry Rub with olive oil salt pepper and paprika Set aside
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl combine sliced red cabbage apples onion apple cider vinegar brown sugar Dijon mustard caraway seeds if using salt and pepper Toss to mix thoroughly
Step 4:
Spread the cabbage mixture evenly in a large baking dish about 9x13 inches Dot with butter cubes
Step 5:
Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up on top of the cabbage mixture
Step 6:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes
Step 7:
Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken skin is golden and crisp and the cabbage is tender
Step 8:
Remove from oven Let rest 5 minutes Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot
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| saffronmoss.com

Sharing this Oktoberfest Chicken bake with loved ones has become a cherished family tradition full of laughter and togetherness.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, chefs knife, cutting board, 9x13-inch baking dish, aluminum foil, tongs

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens Always check Dijon mustard and butter for potential additives if you have sensitivities

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 22 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 28 g per serving

Sizzling, aromatic Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage Bake, perfect for a cozy German dinner. Save to Pinterest
Sizzling, aromatic Oktoberfest Chicken and Red Cabbage Bake, perfect for a cozy German dinner. | saffronmoss.com

This Oktoberfest Chicken bake is a perfect blend of comfort and festivity sure to impress with every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal as they remain juicy and develop crispy skin during baking.

Can I prepare the cabbage mixture ahead?

Yes, mixing the cabbage, apples, onions, and seasonings a few hours earlier allows the flavors to meld nicely.

What does the apple cider vinegar do in the dish?

It adds a pleasant tang and helps balance the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar.

Are there substitutions for caraway seeds?

If unavailable, you can omit them or use fennel seeds for a similar warm aromatic note.

How should I serve this dish?

It pairs well with boiled potatoes or rustic bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always check packaged items for additives.

Oktoberfest chicken red cabbage

Tender chicken atop a savory mix of red cabbage, apples, and onions, perfect for hearty meals.

Prep Steps Duration
25 min
Time Needed to Cook
70 min
Overall Time Required
95 min
Created by Leah Winslow


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type German

Servings Made 4 Number of Portions

Diet Preferences Doesn't Contain Gluten

List of Ingredients

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

Red Cabbage Mixture

01 1 small red cabbage (approximately 1.5 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
02 2 medium apples (Braeburn or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
03 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
04 ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
05 2 tablespoons brown sugar
06 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
07 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
08 1 teaspoon salt
09 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Set aside.

Step 03

Mix Cabbage Ingredients: Combine sliced red cabbage, apples, onion, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss to mix thoroughly.

Step 04

Assemble Bake: Spread the cabbage mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish and dot with butter cubes.

Step 05

Add Chicken: Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the cabbage mixture.

Step 06

Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 07

Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes until chicken skin is golden and crisp and cabbage is tender.

Step 08

Rest and Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Equipment List

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains no major allergens; verify Dijon mustard and butter for additives if sensitivities exist.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Only use this info for reference—it won't replace expert advice.
  • Calorie Content: 420
  • Amount of Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein Amount: 28 g