Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter Chicken
If you love cozy slow cooker meals that practically cook themselves, this Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Butter Chicken is about to become a new favorite. Made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a warm apple butter sauce infused with cinnamon, sage, and nutmeg, this dish delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor with almost no effort.
This easy crockpot chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, fall dinners, or whenever you want a comforting homemade meal without standing over the stove. Just whisk one simple mixture, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apple Butter Chicken:
Easy dump-and-go crockpot recipe with minimal prep
Tender, juicy chicken breasts every time
Cozy fall flavors from apple butter and warm spices
Family-friendly comfort food perfect with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes
Great for meal prep and leftovers
This recipe combines the ease of a classic slow cooker chicken dinner with a unique orchard-inspired flavor that feels nostalgic and comforting.
Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apple butter
1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon cold water (if making slurry)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)
Directions:
Place the raw chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Keeping them mostly flat helps the sauce coat evenly.
In a bowl, whisk together the apple butter, chicken stock, cinnamon, nutmeg, sage, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. The mixture should resemble a lightly spiced gravy.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is coated.
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2–3 hours
Cook until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove chicken and keep warm. Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the hot sauce on HIGH and cook uncovered for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Return chicken to the slow cooker, coat with sauce, and let rest on WARM briefly. Garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This sweet and savory crockpot chicken pairs perfectly with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles
Steamed white rice
Roasted carrots or green beans
Fresh cabbage and apple slaw
A slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls helps soak up every drop of the delicious apple butter sauce.
Recipe Benefits:
Time-Saving: Perfect for busy schedules just set it and forget it.
Comfort Food Flavor: Warm spices create a cozy homemade taste.
Versatile: Works with chicken breasts or thighs.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be shredded for sandwiches or wraps.
Family Approved: Mild sweetness makes it kid-friendly while still flavorful for adults.
Variations & Expert Tips:
Swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Reduce sweetness by using 3/4 cup apple butter and adding extra chicken stock.
Stir in a splash of cream after thickening for a richer sauce.
Add sliced onions or fresh apples to enhance the orchard flavor.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Storage & Leftovers:
Store leftover slow cooker apple butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and serve over rice, or shred the chicken for sandwiches and wraps.
