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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chicken Sandwiches

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Tender, slow-cooked chicken in a sweet and savory apple cider sauce, piled onto toasted brioche buns. An easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for fall or any cozy day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
  • 1 cup apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed (or coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 6–8 soft brioche buns (or your favorite sandwich rolls)
  • Butter or olive oil, for toasting the buns
  • Optional toppings: sliced sharp cheddar cheese, arugula or mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, or a drizzle of honey mustard

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics: Slice the yellow onion into thin rings or half-moons. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Combine the liquid ingredients: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  3. Mix the dry spices: In another small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cinnamon, thyme, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Layer in the slow cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Lay the chicken thighs on top in a single layer if possible. Pour the cider mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over everything. Give it a gentle stir to coat the chicken.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it is so tender it falls apart with a gentle poke from a fork.
  6. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir it into the juices. If the mixture seems too liquidy, let it cook uncovered on HIGH for another 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Toast the buns: While the chicken rests, split the brioche buns and toast them cut-side down in a buttered skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
  8. Assemble the sandwiches: Pile a generous amount of shredded chicken onto the bottom half of each bun. Add any desired toppings. Close the sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use chicken thighs as they stay juicier. If using chicken breasts, check for doneness earlier. To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes. Leftover chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, apple cider, chicken sandwiches, pulled chicken, fall recipe, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/cozy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-chicken-sandwiches-easy-and-delicious/