Easy Sweet & Tangy Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Slow-cooking magical apricot chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals can become spectacular with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Tender meat soaks up sweet and tangy notes from ripe apricots.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly in this simple yet impressive dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through each succulent bite of chicken.

Convenient preparation means you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Anticipate a meal that will spark conversation and delight everyone around the table.

Why Apricot Chicken Recipe Is Sweet, Simple, And Delicious

• Hands-Off Cooking: Simply toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, giving you delicious results without constant monitoring.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory profile.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken thighs for breasts or adjusting sauce ingredients to match your taste preferences, making it a flexible meal solution.

What Goes Into Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that becomes wonderfully soft when slow-cooked in the crockpot.

• Apricot Preserves, Soy Sauce, Onion Soup Mix: A sweet and savory combination that creates a rich, delicious coating for the chicken.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for browning the chicken and adding basic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Prep Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe Easily

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Select chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning helps develop deep flavor throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

• Apricot preserves
• Soy sauce
• Onion soup mix

Whisk these ingredients until they blend into a smooth, glossy mixture that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Layer Flavors in Crockpot

Gently place seasoned chicken thighs into the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets completely covered. The sauce will infuse incredible taste during slow cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Chicken is ready when it becomes fork-tender and reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer cooked chicken onto a serving platter. Spoon extra sauce from crockpot over the meat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Accompany the chicken with steamed white rice or cauliflower rice. The sauce makes an incredible drizzle that elevates the entire dish. Bon appétit!

Tips That Help With Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Pat chicken thighs dry before cooking to ensure better browning and prevent excess moisture during slow cooking.
• Boost Sauce Depth: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors evenly and create a more complex taste profile for the chicken.
• Prevent Overcooking: Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid drying out, aiming for 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Enhance Meal Flexibility: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time slightly to maintain tenderness and flavor.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Use low-sodium soy sauce and gluten-free onion soup mix to accommodate restricted diets without compromising taste.

Flavorful Swaps For Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Replace soy sauce with hot sauce or sriracha for a kickin' flavor profile that adds heat to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap apricot preserves with fig jam and add dried oregano, creating a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish with rich, complex flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free onion soup mix and tamari instead of soy sauce to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a lower-fat alternative that still maintains the recipe's delicious apricot sauce essence.

What Pairs Well With Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer that matches the dish's fruity apricot notes, balancing the soy sauce's saltiness and enhancing the chicken's tender texture.
• Serve with Nutty Side Dish: Prepare wild rice or couscous with toasted almonds, creating a delightful textural contrast that complements the chicken's sweet and savory sauce while adding a subtle crunch.
• Create Fresh Green Accompaniment: Toss a light arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette, providing a peppery and bright counterpoint to the rich, sweet chicken, which cuts through the dish's heavier elements and refreshes the palate.

How To Keep Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Prevent freezer burn by using tight-sealing containers.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water or reserved sauce to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

FAQs About Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than chicken thighs. Check the internal temperature and reduce cooking time slightly.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The onion soup mix typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free onion soup mix or replace it with dried onion powder and salt.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken meets sweet apricot magic in this mouthwatering Crockpot Apricot Chicken recipe that promises tender, flavor-packed goodness. Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction, making this dish perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious comfort on their dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) soy sauce
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Serving Accompaniments:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown for enhanced flavor complexity.
2. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together apricot preserves, soy sauce, and onion soup mix in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Transfer chicken thighs into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly distributed and completely covered with the prepared apricot sauce.
4. Select cooking method based on available time: low setting requires 6-8 hours at 190°F, while high setting needs 3-4 hours at 220°F. Chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches internal temperature of 165°F and demonstrates tender texture.
5. Once cooking completes, carefully remove chicken from crockpot and arrange over fluffy rice, generously spooning remaining sauce across the dish for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Elevate presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, creating a vibrant visual contrast and adding subtle herbaceous notes to the sweet and savory meal.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by browning chicken beforehand, creating a rich golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds depth to the dish.
• Customize sauce sweetness by adjusting apricot preserve quantity, allowing flexibility for different taste preferences.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and make the recipe more diet-friendly for those watching sodium intake.
• Transform into gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free onion soup mix and ensuring soy sauce is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg