Crock Pot Apple Cider Chicken

Crock Pot Apple Cider Chicken is made with chicken breasts, apple cider, sweet apples, yellow onion, garlic powder, and salt. This recipe creates a tender, slightly sweet chicken dish with optional apple slaw. It takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

Crock Pot Apple Cider Chicken Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet, crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), cored and diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, very thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• ¾ cup apple cider
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, or thighs

Apple Slaw (Optional):

• 6 cups finely shredded green cabbage
• 1 medium sweet, crisp apple, shredded or finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh leaf parsley

How To Make Crock Pot Apple Cider Chicken

1. Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and garlic powder.
2. Layer Apples and Onions: Place apples and onions in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and toss.
3. Add Cider and Chicken: Pour ½ cup apple cider over the mixture, then nestle the chicken into the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-5 hours or on low for 5-7 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred or dice.
6. Finish and Combine: Return chicken to the slow cooker, add remaining ¼ cup apple cider, and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Prepare Apple Slaw (Optional): In a large bowl, combine cabbage, apple, vinegar, oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Let sit at least 10 minutes.
8. Serve: Serve chicken topped with slaw in buns or bowls.

Recipe Tips

• Use Sweet Apples: Honeycrisp or Fuji offer the best balance of sweetness and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Cider: Apple cider infuses rich fall flavor into the chicken.
• Shred or Dice: Choose your preferred texture when preparing the cooked chicken.
• Let Slaw Rest: Resting the slaw enhances flavor blend and texture.
• Add More Cider: Add extra cider to taste if you prefer a more saucy dish.

What To Serve With Apple Cider Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed sweet potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a lighter option, serve it over mixed greens or alongside a quinoa salad.

How To Store Apple Cider Chicken

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Apple Cider Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 520mg

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice works in a pinch, but cider gives a richer, deeper flavor.

Do I have to make the slaw?
No, it’s optional—but it adds great crunch and flavor contrast.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely, thighs stay moist and work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well—just store the slaw separately.

What buns work best for serving?
Brioche or whole wheat buns pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory chicken.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Almond Chicken
• Crock Pot 40‑Clove Garlic Chicken
• Crock Pot 3-Ingredient Chicken Wings