Apple Cider Braised Chicken Recipe
As soon as the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, I crave cozy meals that fill the kitchen with warmth and comfort. This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like autumn in a pot. Tender chicken, sweet apples, hearty carrots, and fresh herbs come together in a rich cider broth that practically cooks itself. It’s the perfect Sunday supper—or really any evening you want a no-fuss dinner that feels a little special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless: The slow cooker does all the work.
Seasonal & Cozy: Apple cider, apples, and herbs bring the best of fall flavors.
Versatile: Works with thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole cut-up chicken.
Family-Friendly: Comforting flavors everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 apples (Honeycrisp or Gala are perfect), sliced
1 cup apple cider (not vinegar)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Make Apple Cider Braised Chicken
Sear the chicken:
Pat chicken dry, season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken, skin side down first, until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
Build the base:
In the same pot, sauté onions until softened. Add garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard.
Deglaze:
Pour in apple cider, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Braise:
Return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the liquid. Add apple slices around the chicken. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes (or bake at 350°F in the oven for the same time) until chicken is tender.
Finish:
Stir in apple cider vinegar for brightness (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve:
Plate the chicken with apples and onions, spooning sauce over the top. Delicious with mashed potatoes, roasted squash, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
✨ Optional variation: Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer, velvety sauce.
How to Make Apple Cider Braised Chicken (Slow Cooker)
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side).
Step 2 – Layer the Ingredients:
Add onion, garlic, carrots, and apple slices to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place chicken on top.
Step 3 – Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken. Add bay leaf.
Step 4 – Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F.
Step 5 – Serve:
Remove bay leaf. Spoon tender chicken, apples, and carrots onto plates and drizzle with the cider sauce.
Tips for Best Flavor
Sear if you can: Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds richness.
Choose firm apples: Honeycrisp or Gala hold their shape best while cooking.
Thicker sauce: Remove chicken once cooked, pour liquid into a saucepan, and simmer 5–10 minutes until slightly reduced.
What to Serve With Apple Cider Chicken
This cozy dish deserves an equally cozy side:
Creamy mashed potatoes 🥔
Wild rice or buttered noodles
Warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce 🥖
A simple fall salad with arugula, pecans, and cranberries
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
FAQs
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Place everything in a Dutch oven, cover, and bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji hold up best to braising.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes—apple juice works in a pinch, but apple cider gives a deeper, more spiced fall flavor.
More Cozy Fall Recipes to Try
✨ There you have it—a soul-warming, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s as perfect for weeknights as it is for Sunday gatherings. This Slow Cooker Apple Cider Braised Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can make the most comforting meals.
With love & light,
Annabelle Lee
