Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Savor Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken, a sweet-savory dish with tender chicken and tangy apricot glaze. This easy, family-friendly crockpot meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering vibrant flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a delightful, wholesome dish that combines juicy chicken with a sweet-tangy apricot glaze, creating a flavorful, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This budget-friendly recipe is incredibly easy, with the slow cooker melding rich flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. Its versatility allows for dietary tweaks, making it a hit with all ages. Packed with protein and bold taste, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies, offering a nutritious, satisfying dinner that’s as delicious as it is convenient.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Sear Chicken First: Brown chicken thighs for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
- Balance Sweetness: Taste and adjust apricot preserves with lemon juice to avoid an overly sweet glaze.
- Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender, juicy chicken and well-melded flavors.
- Thicken Sauce: Simmer sauce after cooking or add a cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.
- Layer Ingredients: Place onions at the bottom for even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Simple and Delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken, a sweet-savory dish perfect for easy, flavorful dinners.
Ingredients
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional garnish: extra parsley, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper for a flavorful start.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Prep Onion and Garlic: Slice onion and mince garlic for a savory, aromatic base.
- Layer Crockpot: Place sliced onion in a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading evenly.
- Add Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
- Make Glaze: In a bowl, whisk apricot preserves, soy sauce, chicken broth, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour Glaze: Pour glaze over chicken and onions; add minced garlic and stir gently.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Check Sauce: If desired, transfer sauce to a saucepan and simmer to thicken or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- Serve with Flair: Plate chicken with sauce, garnish with parsley and sesame seeds, and enjoy this delicious dish!
Notes
- Searing chicken enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw chicken will cook through in the slow cooker.
- Adjust apricot preserves with lemon juice to balance sweetness to your taste.
- Leftovers are great in wraps, over rice, or with roasted veggies for quick meals.
- Serve with quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a green salad for a complete dinner.
Ingredients Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful; breasts are a leaner alternative.
- Apricot Preserves: Provides sweet-tangy glaze; low-sugar or homemade preserves are healthier options.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds umami; tamari is a gluten-free substitute.
- Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; red onion offers a milder flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick alternative.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth adds depth; vegetable broth can substitute.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors; bottled juice is a quick substitute.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright garnish; cilantro or chives can substitute.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork chops, or tofu for a vegetarian version; adjust cooking time.
- Fruit Preserves: Swap apricot for peach, mango chutney, or orange marmalade for varied sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste for a fiery twist.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for extra nutrition.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and soy sauce; adjust salt to taste.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for rosemary, thyme, or basil for different flavor profiles.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
- Meal Prep: Portion with sides for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Dish Gallery
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