Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Apple Cider Chicken Stew

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that autumnal craving? That hankering for something warming, sweet, and savoury all at once? Me too! That's why I'm sharing one of my absolute favourite fall crockpot recipes .

It's the Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Cider Chicken Stew!

Quick Hook

It's like a hug in a bowl. Chicken Crockpot Recipes like this are my favourite. This stew blends sweet, savoury, and warming spices. It's autumn in every bite!

Brief Overview

This delightful stew has roots in traditional harvest meals. These Crockpot Dishes are designed to celebrate the season's bounty. It's incredibly easy to make, even if you're not a seasoned chef.

It'll take about 20 minutes to prep, then 6- 8 hours on low (or 3-4 on high) in your Crock Pot Cooking .

This recipe yields about 6 servings. So, it is great for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.

Main Benefits

This stew is packed with nutrients thanks to the butternut squash and apples. It’s high in Vitamin A and fiber.

Perfect for a chilly autumn evening when you want something comforting. What makes this recipe special is the combination of flavours.

They are tender chicken, sweet butternut squash, and crisp apples simmered in apple cider. Honestly, it's a game changer.

Okay, so what do you need to whip up this amazing Autumn Crockpot Meals ?

Ingredients for Autumn's Embrace

First, you will need the basics. This includes 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I usually grab about 700g worth. Don't forget some olive oil, salt, and pepper!

Next up, the stars of the show: one medium butternut squash (cubed) and two medium apples (chopped). I love using Honeycrisp! You'll also need one medium onion (chopped) and two cloves of garlic (minced).

For the liquid base, grab some apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Then some dried thyme, dried sage, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg! These Slow cooker fall recipes chicken is one to remember.

Are you ready to discover the magic behind this Butternut squash crockpot recipes ?

step-by-step Guide

First, I like to quickly sear the chicken. It gives it a lovely colour and seals in the flavour. Just heat some olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken.

Then, in your slow cooker, layer the chopped onion and garlic on the bottom. Next, add the butternut squash and apples.

Pop the chicken on top. Now, pour in the apple cider, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle with the spices.

Cook on low for 6- 8 hours, or high for 3-4. You'll know it's ready when the chicken shreds easily.

Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, and stir.

These Dinner Recipes Crockpot are the best. I love using my slow cooker.

Tips and Tricks for Crockpot Success

A big no-no? Overcrowding your crockpot. It leads to uneven cooking. Searing the chicken first is not essential but is highly recommended.

It really does boost the flavour. Always taste the stew towards the end and adjust the seasoning. Apple cider chicken stew slow cooker is the best! Use a good quality apple cider.

Resist the urge to peek while it's cooking. Opening the lid lets out heat and increases the cooking time. Honestly, I've learned this the hard way.

I hope you have a good Fall harvest stew crockpot .

Enjoy this Crockpot Recipes Easy !

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Autumn Crockpot Adventure Begins

So, you wanna dive into some delicious fall crockpot recipes ? Awesome! Let's get this show on the road, yeah? I'm telling you, this Chicken Crockpot Recipes is a game changer.

And don't worry, even if you're a bit of a novice when it comes to crock pot cooking , this Dinner Recipes Crockpot is seriously easy.

Main Players in This Fall Harvest Stew Crockpot

Okay, let's break down the stuff you'll need. We are doing Slow cooker fall recipes chicken with autumn crockpot meals . Don't panic, it's all pretty straightforward.

• Chicken: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 700g / 1.5 lbs ). Seriously, look for plump, pink thighs. They shouldn’t smell weird. If they do, run a mile!
• Butternut Squash: 1 medium, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 700g / 1.5 lbs ). The Butternut squash crockpot recipes calls for a squash. It should feel heavy for its size.
• Apples: 2 medium (like Honeycrisp or Braeburn), cored and chopped (about 300g / 10.5 oz ). Get those shiny ones, the kind that make you want to bite right into them!
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 150g / 5.3 oz ). Standard brown or yellow onion will do.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, always.
• Apple Cider: 1 ½ cups (355 ml) . Real cider, not juice. It makes all the difference!
• Chicken Broth: ½ cup (120 ml) . Low sodium is my preference.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This adds a lovely tang.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon (2.5g) . Adds an earthly note.
• Dried Sage: ½ teaspoon (1.25g) . Essential for that classic fall flavour.
• Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon (0.625g) . Just a hint of spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: A pinch (optional). Because why not?
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml).

Seasoning Secrets and Substitutions

Now, for the magic touch! Essential spices are thyme, sage, and a whisper of cinnamon. If you're out of thyme or sage, Italian seasoning can work in a pinch.

Seriously, don't stress it. This Apple cider chicken stew slow cooker is about feeling good and getting creative.

Gear Up! What You’ll Actually Need

Let's get down to it. You’ll need:

• A 6-quart (5.7-liter) slow cooker. It's big enough to feed a small army or just you for a few days.
• Cutting board and knife. Obvious, really.
• Measuring cups and spoons. For the precise (or not-so-precise) among us.

Honestly, that's it! This Crockpot Recipes Easy is all about keeping it simple. Now, let's cook something amazing! I swear crockpot dishes have never been so good!

Let's Talk Fall Crockpot Recipes

Okay, so you're thinking about yummy fall crockpot recipes ? Same here! Honestly, there’s nothing better than chucking everything in the slow cooker and coming back to a house smelling amazing.

My grandma used to say, "A warm meal fixes everything", and she wasn't wrong. Now, I'm gonna share how to make a banging Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apple Cider Chicken Stew .

You know, that kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We are talking ultimate Autumn crockpot meals .

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, get organised! Chop your 1 medium butternut squash and 2 medium apples . Dice 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves garlic .

This essential mise en place helps everything run smoothly. This is for the best chicken crockpot recipes prep.

Pro Tip: Do this the night before to save time! It is one of the best crockpot recipes easy you can do.

step-by-step Magic: From Prep to Plate

This part is dead easy. Here's how to turn this into one of your favorite dinner recipes crockpot :

1. Sear 6 chicken thighs in 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper for 2- 3 minutes per side. It's optional, but trust me, it's worth it for the flavour!
2. Chuck the onion and garlic into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker .
3. Add the butternut squash and apples.
4. Place the seared chicken on top.
5. Pour over 1 ½ cups apple cider , ½ cup chicken broth , and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar .
6. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried thyme , ½ teaspoon dried sage , ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon , and a pinch of nutmeg.
7. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should shred easily.
8. Shred the chicken with two forks. Stir it back in.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Crock Pot Cooking

• Don't overcrowd the slow cooker. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Nobody wants that!
• Don't skip the searing step. It adds a flavour depth that is just amazing.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. You might want a pinch of extra salt or pepper. Some hot sauce, maybe?

Honestly, this stew is a game changer. The apple cider chicken stew slow cooker combination is just divine. And who doesn't love a good slow cooked meal, right? This Fall harvest stew crockpot is calling your name!.

If you don't have Butternut, you can try Butternut squash crockpot recipes with this recipe. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment a bit!

Recipe Notes for the Best Fall Crockpot Recipes

This Butternut Squash and Apple Cider Chicken Crockpot Recipes stew is pretty flexible. Honestly, it's less about strict rules and more about enjoying a good, hearty meal.

Like my Nan always said: "A little bit of what you fancy does you good!" So, let’s talk about how to make it your own!

Serving it Up!

So, you've got this gorgeous stew. What's next? Plating it is easy. Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of sour cream, and maybe some fresh parsley.

Presentation wise, keep it simple. A crusty bread for soaking up all that lovely broth is a must! Thinking of drinks? A crisp, dry cider or a light bodied red wine would be amazing.

The Storage Lowdown

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop them in an airtight container and they'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .

If you want to freeze it, portion it out into freezer safe containers. It'll last for up to 3 months . When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Then, heat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Job done!

Mix It Up!

Fancy a change? No worries! For a chicken crockpot recipes with a dietary adaptation, try swapping the chicken for chickpeas for a veggie version.

Works a treat! If you are looking for seasonal ingredient swaps, use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash. They both bring that lovely autumn sweetness.

Thinking of autumn crockpot meals ? You could sub in cranberries and a splash of maple syrup too.

Nutrition Basics : Goodness in a Bowl

Each serving clocks in around 350 calories, with 30g of protein, 15g of fat, and 30g of carbs. This is just an estimate.

One cup of fall harvest stew crockpot is packed with vitamins and fibre. The butternut squash crockpot recipes is full of vitamin A.

The apple cider has antioxidants. Basically, it’s a bowl full of goodness. Remember to try also other fall crockpot recipes .

Cooking with a crock pot cooking has never been easier and fun. Dinner Recipes Crockpot are quick and you can prepare everything ahead of time.

This slow cooker fall recipes chicken is the perfect way to warm you up on a cold night. So give this recipe a whirl.

You won't regret it. With so many crockpot dishes this is an easy one. Why not give it a go? Happy Crockpot Recipes Easy and happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this fall crockpot recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stew is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can prepare it completely, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It's like a Christmas miracle, but edible!

My stew turned out watery. What did I do wrong?

A watery stew usually means too much liquid or that the ingredients released excess moisture. Next time, try reducing the amount of chicken broth or apple cider slightly. Also, ensure you're not overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can trap moisture.

As Delia Smith always says, a bit of thickening with cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) at the end can work wonders.

I don't have butternut squash. Can I substitute it with something else in this fall crockpot recipe?

Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes or acorn squash are excellent substitutes for butternut squash in this stew. They offer a similar sweetness and texture. Just peel, seed, and cube them the same way you would the butternut squash. It's all a bit like changing the Doctor, isn't it? New face, same essential character.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

While you can use chicken breast, chicken thighs are generally recommended for slow cooking as they stay much more moist and tender. Chicken breast tends to dry out and become stringy in the slow cooker. If you do use chicken breast, consider shortening the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.

Think of it like this: thighs are like a well worn leather armchair; breasts are a bit like trying to sit on a park bench - functional but not quite as comfortable.

How long does this fall crockpot recipe last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

This stew will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

It's brilliant for batch cooking - a real time saver for busy weeknights!

Is this recipe healthy, and are there any ways to make it healthier?

Yes, this stew is relatively healthy, packed with vegetables, lean protein, and fibre. To make it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of apple cider (or use unsweetened apple juice) to lower the sugar content. Also, be mindful of portion sizes.

Swapping regular chicken broth for low-sodium versions can also help cut down on sodium intake. A balanced diet is a bit like having a good playlist - a little of everything is key!