Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and cranberries. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners any time of year.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 pieces)
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the diced apple and dried cranberries in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the mixture evenly over the fruit in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the fruit mixture, skin side up. Spoon a little of the liquid from the sides over the chicken to keep it moist.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier skin, briefly broil the chicken thighs in the oven after slow cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the liquid on the stove until reduced.
• Add chopped fresh rosemary or sage for an herbal twist.
• Substitute dried cherries or raisins if you don’t have dried cranberries on hand.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs can be used but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking. Check for doneness after about 4 hours on low.

Can I make this recipe on the stove or in the oven?

This recipe is designed for slow cooking, but you can bake it in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45–55 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender.

Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 71 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy mixture of dried cranberries, fresh apple, and a flavorful apple cider-based sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, the dish offers a comforting balance of savory and fruity flavors, ideal for a wholesome family meal or a cozy dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4–6 pieces)

Fruit Mixture

• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Sauce

• 1/2 cup apple cider (or unsweetened apple juice)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit Base: Place the diced apple and dried cranberries in the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base layer for the chicken.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a tangy and sweet sauce.
3. Combine Sauce and Fruit: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the apple and cranberries in the slow cooker, ensuring the fruit is well coated.
4. Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs skin side up on top of the fruit and sauce mixture, allowing the juices to baste the chicken during cooking. Spoon a little of the sauce over the chicken to enhance flavor.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs and serve warm with the cranberry-apple sauce spooned over the top for a deliciously balanced dish.

Notes

• You can substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice if preferred.
• Dried cranberries can be soaked in warm water for 10 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the fruit sauce on the stovetop to reduce.
• Make sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture retention.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry chicken, apple chicken thighs, slow cooker chicken, Thanksgiving chicken recipe, fall chicken dish, sweet and savory chicken