Name: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup apricot preserves; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp honey; Optional garnish: extra parsley, sesame seeds

Savor Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Delight, a sweet-savory dish with tender chicken in a tangy apricot glaze. This effortless crockpot meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, delivering vibrant flavors with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Delight is a mouthwatering, family-friendly dish that transforms juicy chicken into a tender masterpiece, coated in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings. This budget-friendly recipe is incredibly easy, with the slow cooker melding flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for ingredient tweaks to suit dietary preferences, making it a hit with all ages. Packed with protein and bright taste, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies, offering a wholesome, delicious meal that’s as delightful as it is simple to prepare.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sear Chicken First: Brown chicken for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.

Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender, juicy chicken and well-melded flavors.
Check Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce at the end if too thin; add water if too thick.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste and modify apricot preserves or honey to balance sweetness.

Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley at the end for a vibrant finish.
Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Yield: 6 Servings

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Delight

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Delight, a sweet-savory crockpot dish perfect for cozy, flavorful dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¾ cup apricot preserves
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp honey
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 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Prep Aromatics: Slice onion and mince garlic to build a savory flavor base.

Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk apricot preserves, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Layer Crockpot: Place onion slices in a 6-quart slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed.
Add Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs on top of onions in the slow cooker.

Pour Sauce: Pour apricot sauce mixture over chicken, add garlic, and stir gently to coat.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Check Sauce: Stir sauce; simmer on high for 10 minutes if too thin, or add water if too thick.

Serve with Flair: Spoon chicken and sauce into bowls, garnish with parsley and sesame seeds, and enjoy!

Notes

Searing chicken enhances flavor but can be skipped; raw chicken will cook through in the slow cooker.
Adjust apricot preserves or honey to balance sweetness to your taste.

Leftovers are great in wraps, salads, or over quinoa for quick meals.
Serve with steamed rice, roasted asparagus, or a green salad for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 348Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 138mgSodium 863mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 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 are juicy; breasts are a leaner alternative.
Apricot Preserves: Provide sweet, fruity flavor; low-sugar versions reduce sweetness.

Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds savory depth; tamari is gluten-free.
Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; red onion offers a milder flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder is a quick substitute.

Honey: Adds natural sweetness; maple syrup or agave can substitute.
Dijon Mustard: Offers tangy complexity; yellow mustard is a milder option.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright garnish; cilantro or chives can substitute.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, pork loin, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Fruit Swap: Replace apricot preserves with peach or pineapple preserves for variety.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free dish.

Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a lighter meal.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a subtle heat boost.
Veggie Add-Ins: Include bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.

Herb Variations: Swap parsley for thyme, rosemary, or basil for different flavors.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers 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 rice or veggies for easy meals throughout the week.