Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples: Easy and Delicious Dinner

Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples is my ultimate time-saving dinner recipe. With just 25 minutes of prep and hands-off slow cooker magic, you’ll get tender chicken thighs, sweetly spiced apples, and a rich creamy sauce that feels like a special occasion meal—but it’s effortless enough for a weeknight. Trust me, this recipe is a busy home cook’s dream.

I figured out how to streamline this easy slow cooker chicken dinner without sacrificing flavor or texture. Forget the stove babysitting; here, your slow cooker handles everything while you kick back or knock out your to-do list. The combination of savory chicken and naturally sweet apples, bathed in a cider-infused sauce, is nothing short of comforting perfection.

Why This Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples Is a Game-Changer

If you’ve been stuck in a weeknight dinner rut, this recipe is your way out. Here’s why:

• Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work while you get on with your day. No extra pots or pans required.
• Shortcut to flavor: Browning the chicken adds depth in minutes, while slow cooking makes the meat fall-apart tender.
• Perfectly balanced: Apple cider, leeks, and fennel blend into a savory-sweet masterpiece that takes zero effort to get right.
• Time-saver: Traditional methods might tie you up for hours; this dish breaks it down to less than 30 minutes of active work.
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild yet satisfying, while egg noodles make it a hearty complete meal.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples

The beauty of this chicken and apples slow cooker recipe is how easy the equipment list is:

• 6-quart slow cooker: A must for evenly cooking the chicken and blending the flavors. Programmable models make it even easier.
• Large skillet: Essential for browning the chicken before slow cooking. This step infuses the dish with extra flavor.
• Tongs or heatproof spatula: Perfect for flipping the chicken safely and getting an even sear.

Pro tip: Look for slow cookers with a “high and low” heat option to give you more control for recipes like this.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples

This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh produce you can grab in one grocery trip. Here are the MVPs:

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless, and trimmed for easy preparation. Thighs are juicier than chicken breasts and hold up well in the slow cooker.
• Apple cider: Go for 100% natural cider—no added sugar. It creates the sweet-yet-savory base of the sauce.
• Leeks and fennel: These underrated vegetables add a subtle oniony flavor and a touch of licorice-like sweetness.
• Golden Delicious apples: They hold their shape without turning to mush and deliver just the right amount of sweetness. Other varieties like Honeycrisp would work too.

A quick shopping tip? You can often find pre-sliced leeks and trimmed chicken thighs to save even more prep time.

Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep: 25 min
• Cook: 5 hr
• Total: 5 hr 25 min

Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess fat, cut into thirds
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup all-natural apple cider
• 3 leeks, white and light green parts only, halved and sliced 1 inch thick
• 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into large chunks
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 medium fennel bulb, quartered, cored, and thickly sliced, 1/4 cup chopped fronds reserved
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups extra-wide egg noodles

How to Make Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with flour, dill, paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of pepper to coat.
3. Brown the chicken in batches in your hot skillet, about 3 minutes per side, then transfer to your 6-quart slow cooker.
4. To the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, apple cider, leeks, apples, fennel bulb, bay leaves, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
6. Turn the slow cooker to high; stir in the cream, mustard, parsley, and fennel fronds. Let the apples break into the sauce—a good thing!
7. Add the egg noodles, cover, and continue cooking on high for 7 minutes or until the noodles are al dente.
8. Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples

• Sear smarter: Don’t skip browning the chicken; it locks in flavor without adding significant time.
• Noodles last: Always add the noodles at the end to keep them from overcooking.
• Make ahead: Prep everything the night before, store in the fridge, and start slow cooking the next day.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully. Add a splash of broth to revive the sauce when warming.
• Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for future meals—an absolute lifesaver!

Easy Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples Variations

• Add root veggies: Toss in diced carrots or parsnips for extra hearty flavor.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk—still creamy and delicious.
• Clean-out-the-fridge: Use whatever apples or veggies you have on hand—this dish is super flexible.

Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep an eye on the cook time. Breasts can dry out more easily, so start checking for doneness at 4 hours on low.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

Substitute with unsweetened apple juice or even chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

How do I prevent mushy noodles?

Add them in during the final 7 minutes of cooking on high—that’s the sweet spot.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! Cook the dish fully, then freeze in airtight containers. Skip the noodles and cook them fresh when reheating.

What slow cooker size works best?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. Smaller sizes may require halving the ingredients.

Ready to give it a try? Trust me, Slow Cooker Cider Chicken and Apples is about to become your favorite shortcut to cozy, homemade comfort food. What’s your favorite time-saving kitchen trick? Share it in the comments!