Is there anything better than coming home to a house that smells absolutely amazing? I don’t think so. Especially on a busy day when the last thing you want to do is stand over a hot stove. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in. These appliances are wonderful for creating flavorful meals with very little effort.
Today, I want to share one of my favorite Crockpot Recipes. It’s a Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Chicken that tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and a whole lot of delicious. It has become a regular in our rotation of easy Crockpot Dishes.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy. We’re talking about ten minutes of prep time. You just slice a few things, layer them in the pot, and walk away. It’s one of those set it and forget it meals that make life so much simpler. It is a fantastic example of great Slow Cook Recipes.
The flavor combination is also something special. The sweetness from the apples and honey pairs beautifully with the savory onion and tender chicken. The cinnamon brings it all together, adding a warm, comforting spice that fills your entire kitchen with a welcoming aroma. What a treat!
It’s also very flexible. You can adjust the ingredients to your personal taste. Don’t have Fuji apples? Use another sweet variety. Want more cinnamon? Go for it. This is a forgiving recipe, which makes it great for cooks of all skill levels. It’s ideal for those nights when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss, making it one of the best Lazy Dinners around.
Finally, it’s a dish the whole family can enjoy. It’s gentle enough for kids’ palates but complex enough for adults to appreciate. Serving a meal that everyone loves is a huge win, and this is one of those winning Crockpot Recipes.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for this dish is simple and uses things you can easily find at your local grocery store. Nothing fancy here, just wholesome ingredients that create a wonderful meal.
- 2 Granny Smith Apples, cored and sliced
- 2 Fuji Apples, cored and sliced
- 1 Sweet Onion, sliced thin into half circles
- 3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 to 3 teaspoons Cinnamon, divided
- ¼ to ½ cup Honey
- 4 to 6 boneless and skinless Chicken Breasts, about 1 inch thick
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
A quick note on the apples. I love using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji. This combination gives the dish a balanced flavor. But honestly, you can use whatever apples you have on hand. And you do not need to peel them! The skins soften up during cooking and add a nice bit of texture and color.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking. I’ll walk you through each step. It’s so simple, you’ll be amazed. This is one of those Slow Cook Recipes you’ll master on the first try.
Step 1: Create The Base Layer
First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re going to build a flavorful base for the chicken to cook on. Take half of your sliced apples and half of your sliced onion and spread them across the bottom of the crock. Dot the butter over the top. Then, drizzle half of the honey over the apples and onions, and sprinkle with one teaspoon of cinnamon. This layer will caramelize and create a delicious sauce.
Step 2: Prepare The Chicken
Now for the chicken. Take your boneless and skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over both sides. Seasoning the chicken directly ensures it will be flavorful all the way through, not just on the outside. This is a key step in many Crockpot Dishes.
Step 3: Layer The Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the apple and onion layer in the slow cooker. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible. If they overlap a little bit, that’s totally fine. The goal is to let them cook evenly surrounded by all that goodness.
Step 4: Add The Top Layer
Next, we will add the rest of the ingredients. Layer the remaining apples and onion over the chicken breasts. This acts like a blanket, keeping the chicken moist and infusing it with more flavor as it cooks. It’s a simple technique used in lots of Crockpot Recipes.
Step 5: Final Touches And Seasoning
To finish, drizzle the remaining honey over the top layer of apples. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon over everything. This final drizzle ensures that every bite has that wonderful sweet and spiced flavor. It’s what makes this dish so comforting.
Step 6: Cook To Perfection
Now for the easy part. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or on High for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and cooked through. The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Once the chicken is cooked, you’re ready to serve. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can serve it whole or shred it. Spoon the cooked apples and onions alongside the chicken. They are so soft and flavorful. This is one of those Lazy Dinners that looks and tastes like you spent hours on it.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day. Allow the chicken, apples, and onions to cool down to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three or four days.
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave for a quick lunch. Or, you can warm them gently in a skillet on the stove. The flavors have a chance to meld even more overnight, so you might find you enjoy the leftovers just as much as the first meal.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind. Following these will help you get the most out of your Crockpot Dishes.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish is wonderful served over rice, quinoa, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Something to soak up all the delicious juices is a great idea.
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can definitely use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are very forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist.
- Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to the bottom layer. They will cook down and become tender, adding more substance to the meal.
- Don’t Peek: It’s tempting to lift the lid to check on your food, but try to resist! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can increase the cooking time. Trust the process.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, flavorful, and comforting meal that your slow cooker does most of the work for. This Apple Cinnamon Chicken is one of those Crockpot Recipes that proves you don’t need complicated steps or ingredients to make something truly tasty.
It’s a perfect example of how Slow Cook Recipes can make your life easier, especially on busy weeknights. It’s a go to choice for our family, and I have a feeling it will become one for yours too. I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as we do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Different Kinds Of Apples?
Absolutely! The recipe suggests a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji for a balance of tart and sweet, but feel free to use your favorite apples. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Braeburn would all work well in this dish.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Yes, you certainly can. Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They have a bit more fat, which keeps them very tender and juicy during the long cooking time. The cooking time should remain about the same.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten free. All of the ingredients, from the chicken and apples to the honey and spices, do not contain gluten. It is a fantastic option for those who need gluten free Crockpot Recipes.
Can I Prepare This Meal Ahead Of Time?
Yes, this is a great recipe for meal prep. You can slice the apples and onions and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also season the chicken. When you’re ready to cook, just layer everything in the slow cooker and turn it on. It makes putting together these Lazy Dinners even faster.
Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Chicken
This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Chicken tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl. It’s a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and a whole lot of delicious. It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re going to build a flavorful base for the chicken to cook on. Take half of your sliced apples and half of your sliced onion and spread them across the bottom of the crock. Dot the butter over the top. Then, drizzle half of the honey over the apples and onions, and sprinkle with one teaspoon of cinnamon. This layer will caramelize and create a delicious sauce.
- Now for the chicken. Take your boneless and skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over both sides. Seasoning the chicken directly ensures it will be flavorful all the way through, not just on the outside.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts right on top of the apple and onion layer in the slow cooker. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible. If they overlap a little bit, that’s totally fine. The goal is to let them cook evenly surrounded by all that goodness.
- Next, we will add the rest of the ingredients. Layer the remaining apples and onion over the chicken breasts. This acts like a blanket, keeping the chicken moist and infusing it with more flavor as it cooks.
- To finish, drizzle the remaining honey over the top layer of apples. Then sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon over everything. This final drizzle ensures that every bite has that wonderful sweet and spiced flavor. It’s what makes this dish so comforting.
- Now for the easy part. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours, or on High for 2 to 3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and cooked through. The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the chicken is cooked, you’re ready to serve. Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. You can serve it whole or shred it. Spoon the cooked apples and onions alongside the chicken. They are so soft and flavorful.
Notes
Leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Allow the chicken, apples, and onions to cool to room temperature. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
This dish is wonderful served over rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes. Something to soak up all the delicious juices is a great idea.
If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless and skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are very forgiving in the slow cooker and stay incredibly moist. The cooking time should remain about the same.
Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to the bottom layer. They will cook down and become tender, adding more substance to the meal.
It’s tempting to lift the lid to check on your food, but try to resist! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it can increase the cooking time. Trust the process.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
