Slow Cooker Creamy Cider Chicken is creamy, shredded chicken mixed with bacon then cooked low and slow for hours in apple cider!
It’s the perfect Fall comfort food dinner.
This is the recipe you make when you’ve got friends or family coming over and you’re sitting there thinking about what to make. You want something that feeds a crowd, but you don’t want to be slaving away in the kitchen all day because – let’s face it – when you’re entertaining there’s other things to do besides making the food. This is where Slow Cooker Recipes come to the rescue. 
This is that meal that people are going to be asking you over and over again for the recipe because it’s that good – it’s actually pretty crazy how good it is since there’s only a few ingredients and it literally takes zero effort to make.
Even if you’re not entertaining, this Slow Cooker Creamy Cider Chicken is perfect for during the week on those busy nights after school running your kids around to different sports and activities.
It can sit in the slow cooker until you’re ready for it. Grab a bun and dinner is ready. I got the idea for this recipe from our friend’s viral Crack Chicken recipe. If you haven’t seen it before you must not be on the internet much because it’s everywhere. I wanted to take that recipe and give it a Fall twist by cooking it in cider and topping it with crispy fried onions.
Are fried onions Fall-ish? I guess not really, but they look like Fall. And you aren’t going to believe how insane they taste on top of this creamy chicken.
Literally there’s just a few steps here. Add cider to a slow cooker, add chicken and cream cheese and turn on low for 6 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred, add back to the slow cooker and stir together with the cider and cream cheese.
Pour in the bacon bits…you’re almost there…
Then pile high onto buns of your choice. I highly recommend you try and find pretzel buns for this but use whatever your favorite is. I found pretzel buns right in my grocery store, I know they sell them at Trader Joe’s too.
The pretzel buns make it.
The crispy fried onions make it.
The creamy cider flavored bacon filled chicken – well that’s a party right there.
You could also stuff this chicken into a baked potato, wrap it up in tortillas with extra cheese…
Or. Just. Eat it.
Print
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Cider Chicken is a comforting dish of tender shredded chicken cooked in apple cider and cream cheese, mixed with bacon bits, and served on pretzel buns with crispy fried onions.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese
- 1 (3 oz) package bacon bits
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 8 pretzel buns
- Canned fried onions for topping
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker.
- Add the apple cider and cream cheese to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cider and cream cheese mixture.
- Add the bacon bits to the slow cooker and stir until everything is well mixed.
- Serve the creamy cider chicken on pretzel buns, topped with canned fried onions.
Notes
For best results, use pretzel buns as they complement the flavors well. This dish can also be served in baked potatoes or wrapped in tortillas with extra cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 950
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 110
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cider for the Slow Cooker Creamy Cider Chicken?
Yes, you can use a spiced or hard cider for added flavor, but be mindful that it may alter the overall taste of the dish.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best, as they will shred easily after slow cooking.
How can I make the crispy fried onions at home for topping the chicken?
You can make them by thinly slicing onions, coating them in flour, and frying them until golden brown, or you can use store-bought fried onions for convenience.
