If you’re looking for a heartwarming dinner that feels like a hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory apricot sauce that’s bursting with flavor yet unbelievably simple to prepare. Whether you’re juggling a busy day or craving comfort food without the fuss, this recipe delivers on both taste and ease, making it a cherished favorite for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—balancing sweetness, savoriness, and depth to create a beautifully harmonious dish that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose bone-in for maximum juiciness and flavor throughout slow cooking.
- Apricot jam: This adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to your sauce.
- Onion soup mix: A secret weapon for enhancing the savory depth and seasoning effortlessly.
- Chicken stock: Provides a rich, salty foundation that keeps the chicken moist.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant warmth to every bite.
- Soy sauce: Adds a slight umami edge that balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by arranging your chicken thighs or drumsticks evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker. Making sure the pieces aren’t piled up allows all that delicious sauce to coat each piece perfectly as it cooks.
Step 2: Mix the Apricot Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, onion soup mix, chicken stock, minced garlic, and soy sauce. This delightful blend creates the signature sweet and savory sauce that so wonderfully defines the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring each one is well coated. The sauce will thicken during cooking, soaking into the chicken and making it irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 6–7 hours for best tenderness, or HIGH for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the chicken melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfectly luscious sauce.
Step 5: Optional Sauce Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce to drizzle over your plate, simply stir in a cornstarch slurry near the end of cooking and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This step is great if you plan to use the sauce as a rich topping for rice or mashed potatoes.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. Toasted sesame seeds also make a lovely toasted nutty garnish that complements the soy’s umami notes.
Side Dishes
Served with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even a simple quinoa salad, the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe shines with sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Lightly steamed green beans or roasted carrots bring a crisp freshness that balances the sweetness too.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try plating your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe over a bed of buttery couscous or nestled alongside roasted sweet potatoes. You can also turn it into a hearty wrap by shredding the chicken and spooning it into soft flatbreads for a quick lunch option with all the comforting flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, making it perfect for next-day meals that taste just as fantastic.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, so you can portion it out into meal-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a quick, homemade dinner anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slowly in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken stock helps keep the sauce silky and ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may dry out more quickly during slow cooking. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and consider removing the chicken a little earlier to maintain juiciness.
Is the onion soup mix necessary?
The onion soup mix adds a blend of herbs and seasonings that boost flavor without extra effort. If you prefer, you can substitute with onion powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs, but the mix keeps the recipe wonderfully simple and consistent.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function for browning the chicken first if desired, then cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. This shortcut works well if you’re short on time but still want that classic Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe flavor.
How do I make the sauce less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the apricot jam by half and add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out with a hint of acidity.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers can make this dish even heartier. Just remember to cut them into evenly sized pieces for even cooking and place root vegetables at the bottom to ensure they become tender on the longer cook time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about coming home to a warm, savory-sweet meal that practically cooks itself, and the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of magic. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for anyone wanting to infuse a little love and flavor into their dinner without fuss. Give it a try—you’re going to want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation forever.
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory apricot sauce. Ideal for busy days, this meal requires minimal prep and delivers a flavorful dinner that’s perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
Sauce
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Make the Apricot Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the apricot jam, onion soup mix, chicken stock, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended and smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the apricot sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the apricot chicken hot, ideally over steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- To thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and onion soup mix.
- Chicken breasts can be used but may require slightly less cooking time to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Australian Classic
