Crockpot Chicken with Apples (Easy High-Protein Dinner)

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Inspired by Chicken Normandy, this Crockpot Chicken with Apples combines tender chicken and apples in a sweet-and-savory sauce. Serve it over mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of the sauce.

Crockpot Chicken Normandy

After going apple picking in upstate New York last month, I made this Crockpot Chicken with Apples as a savory way to use my haul. I love how the apples cook down with the chicken and add a little sweetness to the sauce. It’s an easy, high-protein dinner that requires minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker. I’m also sharing Crocktober meals on my Instagram all month, so follow along for more slow cooker recipes!

Why This Crockpot Chicken with Apples Works

I often turn to the slow cooker in the cooler months when deciding what to cook for dinner. It’s perfect for warm, hearty meals, especially when you don’t have much time to actually cook. This recipe only takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time.

• High in protein: Chicken is an easy way to get more protein into your dinner.
• Easy to make: The slow cooker does most of the work, with little hands-on time.
• Perfect for apple season: A savory way to use your apple-picking haul when you want something beyond pie or applesauce.
• Great for cool nights: Tender chicken, apples, and a savory sauce pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken with Apples

Browning the garlic and chicken adds depth of flavor and color, but if you don’t want to dirty another dish, feel free to skip it. See the recipe card at the bottom for printable directions.

1. Brown the garlic and chicken: Season the thighs with salt. Cook the garlic cloves in a large skillet over medium heat for 30 to 60 seconds. Transfer the garlic to the slow cooker, then increase the heat to medium-high. Brown the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side, then add it to the slow cooker.
2. Add the other ingredients and slow cook: Place the pearl onions, apple cider, and herbs in the crock pot, then cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours.
3. Make the slurry and add the apples: With 2 hours remaining, discard the herbs and scoop out ¼ cup of the liquid. Stir in the cornstarch and Dijon, then pour the mixture into the crock pot. Add the apples and more thyme and rosemary, then continue cooking on high until the apples are soft.

Tips for the Best Results

• Choose the right apples. Sweet, hearty apples work best. Grittier apples like McIntosh would get a strange texture, and tart apples like Granny Smith would change the flavor.
• Add the apples at the end so they hold their shape and don’t turn into mush.
• Use dark meat. Chicken thighs have more fat, so they won’t dry out in the slow cooker. If you would rather use chicken breasts, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter to help keep the meat juicy.
• Buy a good cider. Look for a high-quality, nonalcoholic one in the refrigerated section of your grocery store. You don’t want “hard” cider.

Variations

• Chicken swap: You can also use on-the-bone chicken to make it more flavorful.
• Make it even easier: You can skip browning the chicken and garlic if you want to make this a dump-and-go recipe.
• Missing an herb? It’s ok to double up on one of the others.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking on “low,” just until warmed through. Don’t add it any earlier, or it will become grainy.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken with Apples

• Brown rice or wild rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Egg noodles or spaetzle: Toss with the sauce and spoon the chicken and apples over the top.
• Mashed cauliflower for a lighter alternative to garlic mashed potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans.
• A simple green salad with a Dijon vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce.
• Crusty bread, like French bread or sourdough, to soak up the sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate the chicken and apples for up to 4 days.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• How to reheat: Thaw the dish in the fridge, then reheat it in the microwave. You can also pour it into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat on the stove until warm.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

For more healthy dinner ideas this fall, try one of my many crockpot chicken recipes!

Or see more chicken thigh recipes here.