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- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on - 1 cup of either homemade or store-bought apple butter - 2 medium apples, cored and sliced into thin wedges - 1 large onion, sliced into rings - 3 cloves garlic, minced finely The main ingredients create a rich flavor. Chicken thighs give a nice, juicy bite. Apple butter adds sweetness and depth. Apples provide a fresh crunch and bright taste. Onion and garlic enhance the dish with savory notes. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon kosher salt - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper The spices and seasonings play a key role. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and sweetness. Kosher salt balances the flavors, while black pepper adds a slight kick. Together, they make the dish come alive. - 1 tablespoon olive oil Olive oil is essential for searing the chicken. It helps create a crispy skin and locks in juices. Using high-quality olive oil makes a noticeable difference in flavor. - Fresh thyme sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs are optional but recommended. They add a beautiful touch and fresh aroma. Just a few sprigs on top can elevate the dish's presentation. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes until the skin turns a golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. This step adds flavor. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly. This will create a sweet base. Next, arrange the apple slices on top of the onions and garlic. Make sure to distribute them well for even cooking. In a small bowl, combine the apple butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix this until all the ingredients blend well. Pour half of this tasty mixture over the apple slices in the slow cooker. Spread it evenly so every bite is full of flavor. Carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the layered apples and onions in the slow cooker. Take the remaining apple butter mixture and spread it generously over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and falling off the bone when ready. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Stir the remaining juices and apples in the slow cooker to combine. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. To serve, place each chicken thigh on a plate and spoon a generous portion of the apple and juice mixture over the top. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch. Searing chicken is key to adding great taste. When you sear, you create a tasty crust. This crust locks in moisture and gives a nice look. If you skip this step, the chicken may lack flavor. You can also roast or grill the chicken, but these methods take more time. You can change the flavor to suit your taste. Try adding other fruits, like pears or cranberries, for a twist. You can also spice it up with ginger or cloves. If you prefer less sweetness, use less apple butter. Taste as you go to find your favorite mix. For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board. Lay apple slices and thyme sprigs around the plate for color. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal. A light salad or a glass of cider can enhance the experience too. {{image_4}} You can add more veggies to your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken Roast. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and celery make great choices. They add flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into small pieces. Layer them in the slow cooker like you do with the apples and onions. This way, they soak up all the tasty juices. You do not have to stick to chicken thighs. Boneless breasts work well too. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Drumsticks are another fun option. They add a bit of crunch and lots of flavor. Use any cut of chicken you like. Each will give you a slightly different taste and texture. If you need gluten-free meals, this recipe is easy to adjust. Just make sure your apple butter is gluten-free. You can also follow paleo or Whole30 diets with this dish. Just skip the sugar in the apple butter. You can use fresh apples for sweetness instead. This recipe fits many diets, making it a flexible choice for anyone. To bring back the warmth of your Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken Roast, use these methods: - Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat it on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check if it's warm. If not, heat more in 30-second bursts. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until hot. Keeping the chicken moist is key. Add a splash of chicken broth or apple juice before reheating. This adds moisture and keeps the chicken tender. For storing your delicious leftovers, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Store your chicken and apple mixture in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for 2-3 months. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal again, remember to thaw it safely in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use other meats! Chicken thighs work well, but try pork or turkey. For pork, use a shoulder roast for a juicy meal. If you like turkey, use boneless thighs for tender meat. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they all pair well with apple butter. You have many great side dish options. Here are some ideas: - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Rice pilaf - Green salad - Steamed broccoli These sides will balance the sweet flavor of the chicken and apple butter. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check with a meat thermometer. The meat should be tender and fall off the bone. If the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken, it is fully cooked. Yes, you can make this meal ahead! Prepare the chicken and apple butter mix the night before. Store them in the fridge. In the morning, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and set it to cook. This makes a busy day easier and keeps the flavors fresh. This blog post shared an easy recipe for Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken Roast. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can customize flavors and adjust the recipe for dietary needs. Knowing how to store leftovers and reheat them keeps meals fresh and tasty. In closing, make this dish your own. Have fun with flavors and sides. Slow cooking brings out rich tastes that everyone will love. Enjoy your next meal!

Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken Roast

Indulge in the ultimate comfort dish with this Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken Roast! Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked with sweet apple butter, fresh apples, and aromatic spices create a delightful meal your family will love. Perfect for busy days, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a savory experience. Click to explore the full recipe and make dinner a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skin-on

1 cup of either homemade or store-bought apple butter

2 medium apples, cored and sliced into thin wedges

1 large onion, sliced into rings

3 cloves garlic, minced finely

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs, placing them skin-side down. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken over and sear the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

    In the bottom of your slow cooker, layer the sliced onions and minced garlic evenly. Arrange the apple slices on top of the onion and garlic layer, distributing them well.

      In a small mixing bowl, combine the apple butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix it until the ingredients are fully integrated. Pour half of this flavorful mixture over the sliced apples in the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.

        Now, carefully place the seared chicken thighs on top of the layered apples and onions inside the slow cooker. Take the remaining apple butter mixture and spread it generously over the chicken, ensuring they're coated thoroughly.

          Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken should be thoroughly cooked, tender, and falling off the bone when ready.

            Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and let them rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. Stir the remaining juices and apples within the slow cooker to combine, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

              To serve, place each chicken thigh on a plate and spoon a generous portion of the apple and juice mixture over the top of the chicken. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic touch.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching display, consider serving the chicken on a rustic wooden board, and lay down a few apple slices and thyme sprigs around the plate for a pop of color.