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Easy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Thighs Recipe

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Tender, fall-apart chicken thighs simmered in a savory-sweet apple cider sauce with fresh thyme and garlic. This set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes like autumn in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6–8 thighs)
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider (preferably fresh, unfiltered)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken (optional but highly recommended): Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Do not cook through.
  2. Build the base: In the same skillet, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Transfer onions and garlic to the slow cooker.
  3. Layer the flavors: Place seared chicken thighs on top of onions. Pour in apple cider and chicken broth. Add Dijon mustard, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  5. Finish the sauce: Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. Discard thyme sprigs and bay leaves. For a thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until thickened. For a richer sauce, stir in heavy cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve: Return chicken to slow cooker or serve on a platter with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Searing the chicken is optional but highly recommended for deeper flavor. If sauce tastes too sharp, add a tiny pinch of brown sugar. For a dairy-free version, omit the heavy cream. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker apple cider chicken, apple cider chicken thighs, fall chicken recipe, easy slow cooker dinner, chicken thighs with apple cider

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-chicken-thighs-recipe/