Need a quick, easy dish to serve company over the holidays, but don’t have much time? Holiday Slow Cooker Chicken is perfect, in that it takes a minimum of hands-on time to prepare – just peel and slice a couple of apples, and slice an onion and a few jalapeno peppers if you like. Then arrange some frozen boneless skinless chicken breast halves on top and cover with a mixture of two convenience ingredients. Nothing could be easier. The results, however, are delicious, especially served over rice, and guests will have no clue that their festive dinner took so little time. With the new slow cookers available today (they cook at higher temperatures than the old ones), this chicken is often done in only three hours; be sure to check it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

If you have a rice cooker, the rice can also cook unmonitored, so there will be extra time to set a nice table and get other things ready for guests. This recipe is a take on a popular sauce that is often served over meatballs at cocktail parties; the flavor is divine and will be appreciated by all those lucky recipients of your hospitality. Holiday Slow Cooker Chicken is perfect for a buffet, and can be doubled or tripled easily. Accompany it with fresh rolls and a pretty green vegetable or tossed salad.

8 Servings

2 medium cooking apples, pared, cored, and sliced
1 medium red onion, quartered and thinly sliced
1 to 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded, and sliced (optional)
2 to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cleaned and cut into 8 serving-size pieces

1 12 oz. jar chili sauce
1 14 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce

Hot cooked rice

1. Layer the apple slices on the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
2. Top with the onion and jalapeno slices, if using.
3. Arrange the chicken pieces on top and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
4. Mix the chili and cranberry sauces; pour over all.
5. Cover the crock, set to low, and let cook 3-5 hours or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is just cooked through.
6. Stir and serve over the rice.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 309 Calories from Fat 69
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 22% Protein 36% Carb. 41%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 8 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 76 mg
Sodium 91 mg
Total Carbohydrate 32 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 28 g

Vitamin A 96% Vitamin C 54% Calcium 0% Iron 8%