Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet apples and warm spices in a savory-sweet broth, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, medium Granny Smith apples, large yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; sear chicken for 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
  2. Step 2: Add finely diced yellow onion and minced garlic to skillet, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant; stir in chopped apples, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp ground allspice, simmering for 1 minute to combine flavors.
  3. Step 3: Pour apple-onion mixture over chicken in slow cooker, cover, and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken is fork-tender and apples are soft.
  4. Step 4: Whisk 2 tbsp all-purpose flour with 2 tbsp cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry; stir into slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 20 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium granny smith apples from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cinnamon-Spiced Chicken & Apple Stew?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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