When the air gets a little crisp and the leaves start to turn, my kitchen cravings shift. I start thinking about warm, comforting meals that feel like a big hug. That’s where amazing Crockpot Recipes like this one come in to save the day. It’s one of my favorite Fall Dinner Recipes for a reason.
This apple cider chicken is something special. It fills your home with the most incredible aroma while it cooks. Plus, the slow cooker does almost all the work. You get tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich gravy all in one pot. It’s a complete meal that feels fancy but is so simple to make.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just outstanding. The sweet apple cider, savory herbs like thyme and sage, and rich butter create a sauce that is simply delicious. It’s a wonderful example of what makes Fall Crockpot Recipes so popular. The chicken becomes so tender it practically falls apart.
Another great thing is the simplicity. You basically toss everything into the pot and let it go. These kinds of Slow Cook Recipes are a lifesaver on busy days. Plus, cooking the potatoes right alongside the chicken means you have your main dish and a side ready at the same time. Minimal cleanup is always a win in my book.
And let’s be honest, it’s just so cozy. Serving up a plate of this chicken with its gravy and a side of creamy mashed potatoes is the very definition of comfort food. It is a fantastic choice for a family dinner or a quiet evening at home.
Ingredients
For The Chicken And Gravy
- 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs (skin on or off works)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 to 4 yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups apple cider (not the vinegar kind!)
- 1 cup chicken broth
For The Mashed Potatoes
- 1 pound small or medium potatoes
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
Start by placing your chicken directly in the bowl of your crockpot. Rub it all over with the flour, chili powder, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh sage. This combination of spices and herbs is what builds that foundational flavor. Season everything generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Assemble In The Crockpot
Next, arrange the thinly sliced onions all around and underneath the seasoned chicken. Dot the top of the chicken with pats of butter. This will help the chicken brown slightly and adds so much richness to the gravy. Then, pour the apple cider and chicken broth over everything.
Now, tuck the potatoes in around the chicken. This is a brilliant part of many great Crockpot Recipes, cooking everything together. They will soak up all those wonderful flavors as they cook.
Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. You can cook it on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. I personally prefer the low setting for Slow Cook Recipes as it makes the chicken extra tender.
Step 4: Optional Browning
This step is optional but totally worth it if you have the time. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. Carefully remove the cooked potatoes from the crockpot and set them aside. Transfer the chicken, onions, and all that lovely broth to a roasting pan. Roast for about 15 minutes, just until the top of the chicken gets a little caramelized and golden. This is a great trick for many chicken Crockpot Recipes.
Step 5: Mash The Potatoes
While the chicken is browning, put the warm potatoes back into the empty crockpot or into a large bowl. Add the room temperature cream cheese, butter, and garlic powder. Mash them up well. I like to leave the skins on for a more rustic texture, but you can peel them if you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 6: Serve And Enjoy
Now it’s time to eat! Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the gravy and caramelized onions over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes on the side. A piece of crusty bread for soaking up extra gravy is highly recommended!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you are in for a treat the next day. Storing them is simple. Just let everything cool down to room temperature first. Place the chicken and gravy in an airtight container and the mashed potatoes in a separate one. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick meal. Or, you can gently warm the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium low heat until it’s heated through. The potatoes also reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Tips
Don’t be shy with the onions. They cook down so much and become sweet and jammy, adding incredible depth to the gravy. Using 3 or 4 large onions might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. They are a key part of many amazing Fall Dinner Recipes.
For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if you can. Fresh thyme and sage have a much more potent and complex flavor than dried versions. It really makes a difference in slow cooker meals like this. This tip applies to many Crockpot Recipes.
When choosing an apple cider, look for a good quality, unfiltered one. It will have a much richer, more authentic apple flavor than a clear apple juice. Remember, you want apple cider, not apple cider vinegar. That would be a very different dish!
The cream cheese for the potatoes really should be at room temperature. It will mix in so much more easily and prevent any lumps, giving you super creamy mashed potatoes.
Conclusion
This is truly one of those set it and forget it Crockpot Recipes that delivers on flavor without a lot of fuss. It captures all the cozy, comforting feelings of the season in one simple dish. It is a star among Fall Crockpot Recipes.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a comforting Sunday dinner, this apple cider chicken is a fantastic choice. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes one of your favorite Slow Cook Recipes too. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs, both boneless and bone in, would be wonderful in this recipe. They have a bit more flavor and tend to stay even more moist during the slow cooking process. The cooking time should remain about the same.
What Kind Of Potatoes Work Best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are great choices because their skins are thin and they have a creamy texture. You can leave the skins on, which makes prep even easier. Russet potatoes also work well if you plan on peeling them first.
My Gravy Is Too Thin, How Can I Thicken It?
If you’d like a thicker gravy, you can easily make a cornstarch slurry. After you remove the chicken and potatoes, pour the broth into a small saucepan. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Whisk this slurry into the simmering broth and cook for a minute or two until it thickens up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, this is one of those versatile Crockpot Recipes where you can add more veggies. Carrots or celery would be a great addition. You could add them at the beginning with the onions. Just be sure to cut them into larger chunks so they don’t get too soft.
Apple Cider Chicken with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This easy crockpot apple cider chicken recipe delivers tender chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich gravy all in one pot, making it a wonderful comforting fall dinner. Served with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal for any busy weeknight.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken directly in the bowl of your crockpot. Rub it all over with the flour, chili powder, chopped garlic, fresh thyme, and fresh sage. Season everything generously with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the thinly sliced onions all around and underneath the seasoned chicken. Dot the top of the chicken with pats of butter. Then, pour the apple cider and chicken broth over everything. Tuck the potatoes in around the chicken.
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. Cook it on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- (Optional) Preheat your oven to 475 degrees. Carefully remove the cooked potatoes from the crockpot and set them aside. Transfer the chicken, onions, and all that lovely broth to a roasting pan. Roast for about 15 minutes, just until the top of the chicken gets a little caramelized and golden.
- While the chicken is browning, put the warm potatoes back into the empty crockpot or into a large bowl. Add the room temperature cream cheese, butter, and garlic powder. Mash them up well.
- Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the gravy and caramelized onions over the top. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
Notes
Don’t be shy with the onions. They cook down so much and become sweet and jammy, adding incredible depth to the gravy. Using 3 or 4 large onions might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it.
For the best flavor, use fresh herbs if you can. Fresh thyme and sage have a much more potent and complex flavor than dried versions.
When choosing an apple cider, look for a good quality, unfiltered one. It will have a much richer, more authentic apple flavor than a clear apple juice. Remember, you want apple cider, not apple cider vinegar.
The cream cheese for the potatoes really should be at room temperature. It will mix in so much more easily and prevent any lumps, giving you super creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
