Lemon-Herb Chicken & Apple Stew
Tender chicken thighs and crisp apples simmered in a bright lemon-herb broth, perfect for picky eaters who love sweet and savory. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 260 minutes pairs Olive oil, medium, peeled and diced Apples, medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1.5 lbs, skinless and cut into 1-inch pieces Boneless chicken thighs
- 2 medium, peeled and diced Apples
- 3 medium, sliced 1/4-inch thick Carrots
- 1 medium, diced Onion
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tsp chopped Fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs diced chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Step 2: Transfer chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 2 diced apples, 3 sliced carrots, 1 diced onion, and 3 cups chicken broth. Stir in 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp chopped thyme, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until chicken is tender and apples are slightly softened.
- Step 4: Remove chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside. Return the sauce to the slow cooker and cook uncovered on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the pot, stir gently, and serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken & Apple Stew take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Lemon-Herb 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb 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 Lemon-Herb 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 Lemon-Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to slow cooker dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 240-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
