Autumn Slow Cooker Chicken With Apples And Cabbage (Cozy Autumn Dinner)
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Lean into this slow cooker chicken, the cozy fall vibe, and the sweet-savory balance from apples and herbs. My promise: 10 minutes of prep, and the rest is hands-off.
This autumn chicken, apple, and cabbage slow cooker dinner is the perfect way to slide into the season with a plate full of sweater weather comfort. It’s warm, it’s cozy, and it’s hearty enough to be completely filling.
A set-and-forget slow cooker chicken with apples, carrots, cabbage, onions, broth, apple cider vinegar, sage, and thyme. It’s warm, cozy, and weeknight-easy. Serve with quinoa or beans. Cook on low 6–7 hrs or high 3–4 hrs until chicken reaches 165°F.
Love slow cooker recipes? I have a ton of them! You can find all my slow cooker recipes here.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken
- It’s a one-pot meal thanks to your slow cooker.
- It has cozy fall flavors you’ll really want to dig into.
- It’s family-friendly and makes for easy meal prep with some leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken
- Chicken breasts, boneless/skinless – Or you can use chicken thighs.
- Apple – You can use sweet or tart, depending on the flavors you prefer.
- Cabbage – Purchase it pre-shredded, or grate it on a cheese grater at home.
- Carrots
- Red onion
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chicken broth – No sugar or dextrose added.
- Dried sage and dried thyme
- Salt & pepper
Optional adds (for a sub-section or callout): diced sweet potato or butternut, a cinnamon stick (remove before serving), or a splash more ACV at the end for brightness.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken (Step by Step)
- Place chicken in the bottom of a 3 – 4 qt slow cooker.
- Add apple, cabbage, carrots, and onion.
- Add broth and apple cider vinegar over everything.
- Sprinkle sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low 6 – 7 hours or high 3 – 4 hours, until chicken hits 165°F. and shreds easily.
- Shred the chicken and ladle over quinoa or brown rice.
Pro Recipe Tips For Best Results
- Cut the apples into ¾-inch chunks so they don’t dissolve into apple sauce during cooking.
- ACV is your “lemon” here. Add 1 to 2 tsp. more at the end if you want extra tang.
- If you want a deeper flavor from the chicken, sear it for 2 to 3 minutes on each side before putting it into the slow cooker crock.
- Broth and stock brands vary in the level of salt they contain. So, season with salt and pepper at the end of cooking, after tasting.
- Always cook chicken to at least 165°F in the thickest part.
Recipe Variations
- To save money, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- For more heartiness, add sweet potato or butternut cubes.
- You can substitute the herbs with rosemary or poultry seasoning in place of sage or thyme.
- For extra fiber, stir in cooked or canned/drained/rinsed white beans in the last 30 minutes. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or cauli rice for lower-carb counts.
How To Store, Freeze, And Reheat This Slow Cooker Chicken
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months (cool completely, then freeze in single-serving portions for easier thawing.)
- Reheat: Warm on a stovetop over low heat, or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken With Apples
- Quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
- White beans, garlic-herb mashed potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Side salad
- Crunchy garlic bread
Secondary/long-tail: autumn slow cooker chicken, healthy slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken dinner, chicken and apples crockpot
FAQs About This Fall Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Absolutely! Opt for boneless and skinless. I also like to trim as much fat away as possible, but that’s up to you. Chicken thighs are usually more affordable than chicken breasts, so this is a great way to enjoy this dish while saving some money.
Can I Add Grains To The Slow Cooker?
I do not recommend this. It’s better to cook any grains separately. The recipe is formulated for cooking as is. Adding grains would require extra liquid, and you run the risk of them getting mushy.
Can I Use Pears Instead Of Apples?
Yes, you can! Just make sure that they are firm pears. Opt for varieties like Bosc pears. They don’t fall apart as much in cooking.
Can I Start From Frozen Chicken?
I do not recommend this for food safety reasons. Thaw the chicken first, and then proceed with the recipe. Thawing in a microwave make this a fast process, or leave frozen chicken in the fridge overnight.
Can I Thicken The Broth?
You can if you remove the chicken (before shredding it) and add a slurry of arrowroot powder or cornstarch. Then add the chicken back in. 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon should be plenty. Whisk quickly to get it incorporated.
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Autumn Slow Cooker Chicken With Apples And Cabbage (Cozy Autumn Dinner)
Equipment
- 1 3 to 4 qt slow cooker (if you have a larger slow cooker, you may need to double the recipe or keep an eye on the liquid to avoid it getting too dry)
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large apple (cut into chunks)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups chicken stock (no sugar added)
- 1 tsp. ground sage
- 1 tsp. dried thyme
- salt and pepper (to taste after cooking)
Instructions
- Lay the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the apple and veggies.
- Pour broth + vinegar over top.
- Sprinkle with herbs.
- Cook low 6–7 hours, or high 3–4.
- Serve warm over whole grains.
Notes
Nutrition
