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Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Chicken Process-6feature

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Chicken

Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Chicken is a cozy fall dinner made with golden-browned chicken thighs, sweet apples, and a rich apple cider glaze. Slow cooked until tender, the chicken is coated in a flavorful sauce that's perfect for cool evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 Honeycrisp apples sliced
  • 1½ cups apple cider
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken thighs with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Top with the apple slices.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and cinnamon.
  • Pour the apple cider mixture around the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Carefully transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
  • Stir the slurry into the slow cooker.
  • Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  • Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the glaze over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Honeycrisp or Gala apples hold their shape best during cooking.
  • Searing the chicken creates deeper flavor and better color.
  • For an even darker finish, place the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes before serving.
  • The glaze should coat the back of a spoon when fully thickened.
Keyword Chicken, Slow Cooker
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