I have to share another recipe from my new favorite cookbook; Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious Cookbook. This is the perfect cookbook for busy cooks who actually love to cook-even when they don't have the time. It's fall and apple season in Maine. With numerous trees on our farm, we are always trying to "use them up" as we say. This recipe is based on the one in the TOH cookbook.
Apple Chicken in the slow cooker is the answer to late scheduling that always seems to creep up on us. It's so important that our family sits down to dinner each night, and having quick and easy meals on board makes that possible. I use the timer on my slow cooker, but if you don't have one, plug your slow cooker into a stand alone timer and set it to turn on 3 1/2 hours before you will be home. That way, the meal is cooked and you have time to assemble the salad before eating. Check this out:
Apple Chicken in the Slow Cooker
1 TBSP oil
4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 medium apples, coarsely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup apple cider
1 TBSP honey
1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides: sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place browned thighs into your slow cooker and top with the chopped apples.
2. In the same skillet, cook and stir over medium heat until tender. Add garlic, cook for another minute but don't allow it to burn.
3. Stir in the barbecue sauce, cider and honey. Increase heat to medium high. Cook for 1 additional minute and then pour over chicken and apples.
4. Cook on low heat for 4 hours or until chicken is tender.
I serve this with a kale salad that has a lot of crunch. Having that texture on the side makes the main dish that much tastier . It's a winner!
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