Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe for the Crockpot

Savor the sweet and savory Easy Apricot Chicken, a hassle-free crockpot dish with tender chicken in a luscious apricot glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful, family-friendly meal combines simple ingredients for a deliciously comforting dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Apricot Chicken for the Crockpot is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing tender chicken with a rich apricot glaze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This budget-friendly recipe is a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike for its sticky, sweet sauce and juicy chicken. Its versatility allows for easy substitutions to suit dietary needs, and the minimal prep means you can set it and forget it, enjoying a stress-free, flavorful dinner that feels like a treat.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Sear for Flavor: Lightly brown the chicken before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and texture.
• Balance Sweetness: Taste the sauce before cooking and adjust with a splash of soy sauce if too sweet.
• Thicken Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it on the stovetop after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley at the end for a burst of color and flavor.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety and tenderness.
• Prep Ahead: Combine sauce ingredients and refrigerate overnight for quick morning assembly.

Yield: 6 Servings

Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe for the Crockpot

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Easy Apricot Chicken, a sweet-savory crockpot dish with tender chicken in a luscious glaze, perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional garnish: extra parsley, sesame seeds
• Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Brown the Chicken: In a skillet, lightly sear chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor.
2. Chop the Veggies: Dice the onion and mince garlic for a savory, aromatic base.
3. Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
4. Layer the Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ready to soak up the sauce.
5. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, garlic, and pepper.
6. Add Onions: Scatter diced onion over the chicken for added depth and sweetness.
7. Pour the Sauce: Pour the apricot sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
8. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken is tender.
9. Check and Thicken: If sauce is thin, simmer on the stovetop for 5 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
10. Serve with Flair: Plate chicken with sauce, garnish with parsley and sesame seeds, and enjoy this sweet-savory delight!

Notes

• Searing chicken is optional but adds richer flavor; raw chicken cooks fine in the slow cooker.
• For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir in during the last 15 minutes.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers are great in wraps or salads for a quick next-day meal.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 360Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 138mgSodium 680mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 30g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender; breasts work but may dry out slightly.
• Apricot Preserves: Provides sweet, tangy flavor; choose no-sugar-added for a lighter option.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds umami depth; tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
• Onion: Diced yellow onion adds savory balance; red onion offers a milder flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang to balance sweetness; yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps the sauce from being too salty; vegetable broth is a substitute.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a fresh finish; dried parsley works if fresh isn’t available.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork chops, or tofu for a vegetarian version, adjusting cook time.
• Fruit Preserves: Swap apricot preserves for peach, mango, or orange marmalade for a different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
• Low-Sugar: Choose sugar-free apricot preserves or reduce the amount for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Include carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for added nutrition and texture.
• Herb Variations: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for a different aromatic note.

Storage Options

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat gently to maintain texture.
• Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep chicken moist.
• Meal Prep: Portion with rice or veggies for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

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