Slow Cooker Apple-Thyme Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-08 · Updated 2026-04-08

Tender chicken thighs simmered with sweet apple and aromatic thyme in a fragrant broth, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, medium Honeycrisp apples, large yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 medium Honeycrisp apples
• 1 large yellow onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker, then add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 peeled, cored, and diced Honeycrisp apples, 1/4 cup apple cider, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Stir to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 6 hours until chicken is fork-tender and easily flakes.
5. Step 5: Discard thyme sprigs and serve with the cooking juices.