Apple Chicken

If you’re always on the lookout for new slow-cooker recipes, and you also have no idea what to do with that package of chicken thighs in your fridge, then you’re in luck. This apple chicken is warm, comforting and ready to eat after about four hours in the slow cooker. No need to wait through an extra-long slow-cook for this one! It’s one of our favorite recipes with chicken and apples, and it’s perfect for fall apple season.

Ingredients for Apple Chicken

• Chicken thighs: Look for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. You’ll want about 1-1/2 pounds.
• Apples: Aim for sweeter red apple varieties, such as Fuji or Gala.
• Onion and garlic: Both are used as aromatics for this recipe. A yellow or white onion would taste best.
• Barbecue sauce: Use your favorite bottled barbecue sauce as the base for the sauce in this apple chicken.
• Apple cider or apple juice: You could use apple juice, but apple cider will have a more concentrated taste and flavor.
• Honey: The honey adds a sweetness to the sauce that cuts into the tangy barbecue sauce and apple cider.

Directions

Step 1: Brown the chicken

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In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a 3-quart slow cooker, and top it with the apples.

Step 2: Combine the sauce

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In the same skillet, cook the onion, stirring it over medium heat for two to three minutes or until the onion is tender. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the barbecue sauce, apple cider and honey. Increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for one minute, stirring to loosen the browned bits from the pan.

Step 3: Add the sauce and slow-cook

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Pour the sauce over the chicken and apples. Cook, covered, on low for 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

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Apple Chicken Variations

• Make it herby: To really enhance the flavor of this chicken and apple recipe, add a sprig or two of rosemary or thyme (or both!) before turning on the slow cooker.
• Make it spicy: Choose a spicy barbecue sauce if you want to give your apple chicken a little kick.
• Use different spices: Or, if you want to give your apple chicken a unique flavor, add some warming spices that will liven up the sauce, like cinnamon, nutmeg or coriander.

How to Store Apple Chicken

Store the apple chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Heat the leftovers in a covered saucepan, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.

Can you freeze apple chicken?

Yes! You can freeze the cooled chicken in airtight freezer containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, place the container in the fridge and thaw it overnight before reheating.

Apple Chicken Tips

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Can you use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes! This recipe for apple chicken will still work well with boneless chicken thighs. The meat will likely fall apart from the slow-cooking, so keep that in mind if you decide to go boneless.

Can you use apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?

Although they have similar names, you can’t use apple cider vinegar interchangeably with regular apple cider. Doing so would change the taste and texture of your meat, and it might even give it more of a pickled taste.

What do you serve with apple chicken?

Recipes with apples and chicken can go with a variety of popular side dishes, but some of our favorites to serve with this slow-cooker meal include roasted honey sweet potatoes and roasted green beans with lemon and walnuts.