Slow Cooker Chicken and Apples: A Deliciously Simple Fall Feast

Fall is the perfect time for cozy, comforting meals, and nothing says autumn quite like the combination of chicken and apples. This slow cooker recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, filling your home with the sweet and savory aroma of the season. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, infused with the sweet and tart flavors of apples, onions, and herbs. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless:** Dump everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet apples, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful flavor profile.
* **Healthy:** A balanced meal with lean protein and fiber-rich apples.
* **Versatile:** Easily adaptable to your preferred flavors and dietary needs.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
* **Aromatic:** Your kitchen will smell amazing!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks (or a combination). You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time.
* **Apples:** 2-3 medium apples, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji, cored and chopped. Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds brightness and tang).
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing the chicken, optional).
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage.
* **Spices:** 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth).
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf (optional, adds depth of flavor).
* **Fresh Parsley:** (Optional, for garnish).

## Equipment

* **Slow Cooker:** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** (If searing the chicken).
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables and apples.
* **Knife:** For chopping.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For measuring ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the most delicious slow cooker chicken and apples:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken (Optional)**

While this step is optional, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful color. This process is called the Maillard reaction. To sear:

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on chicken).
5. Sear for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Apples**

1. Chop the onion and celery into medium-sized pieces.
2. Mince the garlic.
3. Core the apples and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skin on for added fiber and nutrients.

**Step 3: Layer the Slow Cooker**

1. Place the chopped onion and celery in the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a bed for the chicken and prevents it from sticking.
2. Scatter the minced garlic over the onion and celery.
3. Arrange the chopped apples evenly over the vegetables.
4. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken pieces on top of the apples. Distribute them evenly.
5. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, cinnamon (if using), and bay leaf (if using) over the chicken and apples.

**Step 4: Add Liquid and Cook**

1. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the chicken and apples.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**Step 5: Shred Chicken (Optional)**

If you prefer shredded chicken, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the apples and sauce.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Cuts of Chicken:** You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for the most flavorful results. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, but they may become drier, so reduce the cooking time.
* **Experiment with Apples:** Use a variety of apples for a more complex flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, and Granny Smith are all good choices. Granny Smith will add a more tart flavor.
* **Add Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the slow cooker.
* **Add Spice:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Add Dried Fruit:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans before serving for added crunch.
* **Use Apple Juice:** Replace some of the chicken broth with apple juice for a more intense apple flavor. Be mindful of the sugar content in the apple juice.
* **Add Root Vegetables:** Add chopped carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If you want a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker towards the end of the cooking time and whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour. Return the mixture to the slow cooker and cook for a few more minutes, until thickened. Alternatively, you can use a slurry – mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to the pot.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
* **Make it Dairy-Free:** This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied white wine, such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer, pairs well with this dish.
* **Hard Cider:** Consider using hard apple cider instead of apple cider vinegar for a deeper apple flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker chicken and apples recipe is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken and apples.
* **Rice:** Fluffy rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice, is a great way to soak up the flavorful sauce.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, complement the flavors of the chicken and apples.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans add a touch of freshness to the meal.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and apples.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover chicken and apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** Freeze leftover chicken and apples in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Instructions

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the chicken and apples in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the chicken and apples in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Slow Cooker:** Reheat the chicken and apples in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

(This will vary depending on the ingredients used and serving size)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 3-5g

## Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken and apples recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time of year, especially autumn. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s a great option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The combination of sweet apples, savory chicken, and aromatic herbs is sure to please everyone at the table. So, gather your ingredients, throw everything in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen! Enjoy!

This versatile dish offers countless opportunities for customization. Feel free to adjust the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients to suit your preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature version of this classic recipe. And remember, the most important ingredient is love – so cook with passion and enjoy the process!

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a family favorite. From busy weeknights to festive gatherings, slow cooker chicken and apples is a dish that will always deliver comfort and satisfaction. Enjoy the delicious flavors of fall with this easy and delightful recipe. Happy cooking!

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover apples from apple picking! It’s also a fantastic option for meal prepping, as it can be easily made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This allows you to enjoy a delicious and healthy homemade meal even on the busiest days.

The slow cooker truly shines in this recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors. The long, slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy, while the apples release their natural sweetness and aroma. The result is a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion.