Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
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Slow cooker apricot chicken is the ultimate flavor fest! Juicy chicken thighs are simmered in a mouthwatering sauce made with apricot preserves, chicken broth, spices, and seasonings. It’s the very definition of minimal effort and maximum flavor, because your slow cooker does all the work and it comes out ready for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t you just love slow cooker meals? They’re a lifesaver for all who cook at home, especially during busy days. I love that I can be out and about the whole day and still able to serve my family a warm, homemade dinner. I often make slow cooker taco soup and salsa chicken, but the new family favorite is this deliciously saucy slow cooker apricot chicken.
It’s a comforting year-round, all-around dish that’s easy enough for weeknight family dinners, but special enough to share with friends and family at parties and potlucks. Whether you’re planning a special occasion, a cozy comfort food night, or just need a dependable recipe for any day, slow cooker apricot chicken is a great choice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooker ease: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to a hearty dish ready to enjoy.
- Big, fresh flavor: Sweet, fruity apricots, rich chicken broth, and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard come together to make an insanely delicious sauce that brings simple chicken thighs to life.
- Year-round dish: The warm, rich flavors make it the ultimate cozy meal for any time of year.
- Great for entertaining: Ideal for entertaining and impressing guests – serve a dish that looks and tastes fancy without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Adaptable: Add your favorite spices, swap the ingredients, or throw in veggies for extra nutrition. Easily customize this dish to suit any mood or occasion.
- Meal prep ready: Make a large batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers for lunches or dinners all week.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
You can’t go wrong with this sweet and savory slow cooker apricot chicken. It’s exceptionally delicious, considering how easy it is to make. All you need to do is to add the chicken to your slow cooker, make the sauce, pour over the chicken, and cook. Set it and forget it – it will be ready when you’re ready for dinner!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken thighs: You can use boneless, but I prefer bone-in chicken thighs here – they are a little cheaper and in my opinion, have a slightly better flavor. Drumsticks work great, too, but you’ll need twice as much since there is less meat.
- Apricot preserves: Look for preserves with real fruit and minimal added sugar for a more natural flavor.
- Chicken broth: The savory base that helps enhance the richness of the sauce. low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Dijon mustard: For that delicious tang that adds depth to the sauce
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is chopped for garnish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Slow cooker apricot chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for a flawless, flavorful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Place the chicken in the crockpot. Whisk all remaining ingredients together, except the parsley, in a small bowl and pour over the chicken.
Step 2: Slow cook
Cover with a lid and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Serve as whole thighs with lots of sauce.
Substitutions
Looking to make this recipe your own or don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are some easy substitutions:
- Chicken thighs: No substitution for chicken in this recipe, but for an equally delicious variation of this dish, try using bone-in pork chops instead of chicken thighs.
- Apricot preserves: No apricot preserves? Use orange or peach marmalade instead.
- Chicken broth: Substitute chicken broth with chicken stock. You can also use beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Substitute Dijon for whole-grain mustard if that’s what you have.
- Parsley: Dried parsley can work in a pinch (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh). Fresh cilantro or chives are also ideal alternatives.
Expert Tips
- Sear the chicken thighs: Quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker – this helps seal in the flavor and lock in the juices. This step is optional, but I like doing it for extra flavor when I’m not pressed for time.
- Thicken the sauce: My sauce condensed nicely, but different preserves might cook differently. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs once they’re cooked and stir in a slurry of equal parts cornstarch and water, cooking on high for a few minutes until thickened.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, mix in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Add veggies: Toss in veggies like baby carrots, sliced onions, or bell peppers.
- Serve with grains: This slow cooker cooker apricot chicken is best served with a grain like rice, couscous, quinoa, or a low-carb alternative. You’ll want something to soak up the sauce.
How to Store This Recipe
Cool leftovers completely and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Reheat on the stove top until warmed through. Thaw frozen apricot chicken overnight first before reheating.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Enjoy apricot chicken with your choice of rice, on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes, or slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also delicious with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
More Easy Main Dishes To Try
- Air fryer pork chops
- Chicken quesadillas
- Bacon-wrapped filet mignon
- Honey mustard salmon
- Roasted turkey
If you make this slow cooker apricot chicken, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Easy Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the crockpot. Whisk all remaining ingredients together, except the parsley, in a small bowl and pour over the chicken.
- Cover with a lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. Serve as whole thighs with lots of sauce.
Notes
- Quickly sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding them to the slow cooker – this helps seal in the flavor and lock in the juices. This step is optional.
- If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs once they’re cooked and stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water, cooking on high for a few minutes until thickened.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, mix in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Toss in some veggies like baby carrots, sliced onions, and bell peppers if you want.
- This slow cooker cooker apricot chicken is best served with a grain like rice, couscous, quinoa, or a low-carb alternative to soak up the sauce.
