Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs Freezer Meal Recipe

Have you ever had last minute dinner guests or totally dropped the ball with planning dinner for a dinner party you planned to host in advance? Just me? That’s okay. Regardless if you’re in that club with me or not, today’s recipe, Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs, is the superhero of superheroes when it comes to freezer meals. It is elegant and impressive, but is easy and effortless to prepare. I typically always have one on hand in my freezer so I am always ready for anything that pops up.

We love this recipe so much because of the robust flavor it brings. The tender chicken thighs are complemented beautifully by sweet cranberries and juicy apples, and all is finished off perfectly with rosemary and a touch of honey. With the flavors having the day to meld together in the slow cooker, you’ll be serving one of the most mouthwatering meals that will leave your family asking for seconds.
Our Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs isn’t just here to save the day and impress your guests with its flavor, it’s also here to make your life so much easier. It’s a make-ahead freezer meal that is prepared ahead of time, stashed in your freezer, and waiting for you to bring it out so you can have a stress-free dinner. A quick thaw and a few hours in the slow cooker will leave you with a beautiful, effortless meal to serve to all the people you love. There’s really nothing not to love about it. Don’t just take my word for it though – let’s prepare it together so you can see just how wonderful it is for yourself.

Why You’ll Love this Gluten-Free Chicken Thighs Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Our recipe is simple and straightforward, which means any level chef can easily prepare it. 
• Impressive: Although it is simple to prepare, this recipe will impress any dinner guest!
• Kid-Friendly: The colorful nature of this recipe draws kids in, and chicken is always a hit with little ones!
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein and fruit, this recipe offers a balanced meal in one dish.

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs, is the superhero or superheros when it comes to freezer meals. It is elegant and impressive, but is easy and effortless to prepare. I typically always have one on hand in my freezer so I am always ready for anything that pops up.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

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• 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
• 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
• 2 Apples diced
• 1 Onion diced
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Rosemary
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

 

Prep/Freezer Directions

• Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
• Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
• Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

• Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
•  Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Serve.

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions

1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus ½ cup water, into the Instant Pot. 
2. Set to High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
3. Serve.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free

 

• Recipe is naturally gluten free

 

Make it Dairy Free:

 

• Recipe is naturally diary free

Keyword Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs, easy freezer meals for new moms, Gluten Free Chicken Dinners, Gluten Free Freezer Meals, Gluten Free Slow Cooker Recipes, Slow cooker Chicken Recipe

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Equipment Needed to Make Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs

• 1 gallon freezer bag
• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs

• 2-3 lbs Chicken thighs boneless/skinless
• 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
• 2 Apples diced
• 1 Onion diced
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Rosemary
• 1 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

How to Make a Healthy Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Thighs

Prep/Freezer Directions:

1. Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
2. Add all ingredients to the freezer bag.
3. Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions

1. Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
2.  Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. Serve.

What to Serve with your Easy Gluten Free Chicken Freezer Dinner

Sides:

• Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Cranberries Kale Quinoa Salad with Candied Pecans

Desserts:

• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp
• Cranberry Orange Bliss Bars
• Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Mocktails:

• Cranberry Apple Spritzer
• Sparkling Rosemary Limeade
• Pomegranate Ginger Mocktail

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

• Maple Syrup: Replace the honey with equal parts of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Replacing the apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar will add a rich, slightly sweet flavor to this recipe.
• Pears: Pears offer a similar texture and sweetness as apples, with a slightly different flavor. Replace equal parts of pears for the apples to change things up.

Additions:

• Sweet Potatoes: Bring a sweet starch to this dish by adding 1-2 cups of diced sweet potatoes. They’re a tasty, heart complement to the other ingredients.
• Butternut Squash: Include 1-2 cups of diced butternut squash for added color, nutrition, and a sweet and nutty flavor.

How to Reheat and Store Fresh Gluten Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs

Best Way To Store Leftover Make-Ahead Chicken Thighs

The best way to store leftover Make-Ahead Chicken Thighs is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before storing, make sure to allow your leftover chicken thighs to cool to room temperature. Doing so, reduces the moisture buildup in the container when the leftovers are put in the colder environment.

How Long Will Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs Last In the Fridge?

Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three to five days, provided they are properly stored. It is best to store them in an airtight container. Again, allow leftovers to cool before storing.

Can I Freeze Apple Chicken Thighs Recipe?

This recipe is a make-ahead freezer meal, which means we freeze everything raw and then cook from frozen in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. We don’t recommend freezing after cooking, because when you thaw for round two the flavors and texture will not be as delicious as they were the first time. It is safe to freeze after cooking, it is just not advisable.

To prepare this recipe as a raw freezer meal, simply add all ingredients into a labeled gallon freezer bag. Remove excess air to avoid freezer burn, then seal, and store for up to three months.

How To Reheat Cranberry Chicken Freezer Meal?

Cranberry Chicken Freezer Meal is reheatable on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Our preferred method of the three is on the stovetop, where you can control the amount of liquid better to ensure your leftovers do not dry out.

Gluten-Free Chicken Thighs Freezer Meal FAQs

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

• Chicken Noodle Soup Freezer Meal 
• Lemon Herb Chicken Freezer Meal
• Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata Freezer Meal
• Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Roast Freezer Meal 
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole Freezer Meal

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Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs turned out!