Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet apples and thyme for a comforting, hands-off dinner that melds perfectly with seasonal fruit. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs large, diced into 1/4-inch pieces onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar 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.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on (1.5 lbs) chicken thighs
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes apples
- 1 large, diced into 1/4-inch pieces onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 lbs) in the slow cooker. Add 2 medium peeled and diced apples (1/2-inch cubes), 1 large diced onion (1/4-inch pieces), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and the apples are soft enough to mash with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs 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 Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs?
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 minced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs?
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 Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs 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 Slow Cooker Apple-Infused Chicken Thighs?
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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this slow are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 360-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
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