If you have ever craved a dish that balances sweet and tangy flavors with melt-in-your-mouth chicken, then this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. The gentle slow cooking allows the tender chicken thighs or breasts to soak up a luscious apricot sauce that is bursting with savory notes, creating a comforting, homey dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Whether spooned over fluffy rice or tender noodles, this recipe delivers delightful texture and layered flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-try for any slow cooker aficionado.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each plays an essential role in creating the irresistible sweet and savory profile of this dish. The apricot preserves provide natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze, while the French or Russian dressing adds tanginess and depth. Onion soup mix brings in a savory burst of seasoning, and soy sauce lends an umami kick that ties everything together perfectly.
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1 cup apricot preserves: The star of the sauce, offering a sweet and fruity foundation.
- ½ cup French dressing or Russian dressing: Delivers acidity and a hint of spice to cut through the sweetness.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: Packs in savory onion flavor and seasoning with zero fuss.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce: Adds rich umami depth that complements the sweet apricot notes.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This ensures they will be fully coated by the sauce as it simmers low and slow, allowing the flavors to deeply permeate the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the apricot preserves, French or Russian dressing, onion soup mix, and soy sauce. Stir this mixture thoroughly until smooth and well-blended – the perfect sweet and tangy concoction to glaze your chicken.
Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken
Gently pour your prepared sauce over the chicken pieces, making sure they’re evenly covered. This step is key to sealing in moisture and infusing each bite with flavor as the chicken cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time is ideal for tender, juicy chicken that nearly falls apart and has absorbed every bit of that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Serve with Sauce
Once Cooking is complete, carefully lift the chicken out and spoon the thickened apricot sauce over the top. This final touch makes the dish irresistibly glossy and flavorful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to balance the richness, while toasted sesame seeds lend a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal that elevates the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines over a bed of fluffy rice or tender egg noodles that soak up every drop of apricot sauce. For a heartier meal, steamed vegetables or roasted carrots and potatoes are fantastic companions that complement the dish’s sweet and savory character.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken on a platter surrounded by roasted vegetables and whole grain couscous for a vibrant, family-style presentation. Alternatively, shred the chicken and serve it on slider buns with a bit of extra sauce drizzled on top to make irresistible apricot chicken sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days and tastes even better once the flavors have had time to meld further.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a convenient, ready-made meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave so that the chicken stays juicy and the sauce remains thick and luscious. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs offer more juiciness, chicken breasts work well too—just keep an eye on cooking time as breasts can become dry if overcooked.
Is there a substitute for the onion soup mix?
You can replace onion soup mix with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and some salt for a homemade version that still brings great flavor to the dish.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Carrots and potatoes make excellent additions, absorbing the apricot sauce’s flavor while cooking alongside the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
What can I serve with this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe for a low-carb option?
Cauliflower rice or steamed greens work perfectly as low-carb side dishes that won’t overpower the tender, flavorful chicken.
How thick will the sauce be after cooking?
The sauce will reduce and thicken during slow cooking, becoming glossy and rich enough to coat the chicken beautifully without being overly runny.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to staple in your meal rotation. The balance of sweet apricot and savory undertones combined with how effortlessly it comes together is bound to win over family and friends alike. You really can’t beat a dinner that feels so indulgent but requires practically no fuss. Give it a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce, perfectly suited to be served over rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup French dressing or Russian dressing
- 1 packet onion soup mix (approx. 1 oz)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
- Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the apricot preserves, French or Russian dressing, onion soup mix, and soy sauce. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared apricot sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting 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 chicken hot with the sauce spooned over it. This dish goes well with rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Add carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Using chicken thighs provides more moisture and flavor; breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
