Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet-tart honey-apple sauce, perfect for effortless weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 405 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, medium onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 390 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant, then pour into the slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 diced tart apples (like Granny Smith), 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, and remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is fork-tender and easily falls off the bone.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples take to make?

Total time is about 405 minutes (15 min prep + 390 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 Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples?

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 Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples 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 Honey-Glazed Slow Cooker Chicken with Apples?

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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