Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables

Savor Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables, a sweet-savory dish with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and tangy apricot glaze. This wholesome crockpot meal is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, delivering balanced flavors with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables is a delightful, nutritious one-pot meal that combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-tangy apricot sauce, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. This budget-friendly recipe is a breeze to prepare, with the slow cooker melding flavors effortlessly, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. Its versatility allows for ingredient tweaks to suit dietary needs, ensuring it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant taste, this dish is a complete meal that pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa, offering a wholesome, flavorful dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Sear Chicken First: Brown chicken for deeper flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
  • Cut Veggies Evenly: Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture.
  • Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender chicken and well-cooked veggies.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Taste and modify apricot preserves or honey to balance flavors.
  • Thicken Sauce: Simmer sauce at the end if too thin; add water if too thick.
  • Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Yield: 6 Servings

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with Vegetables, a sweet-savory crockpot dish perfect for wholesome dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 25 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 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnish: extra parsley, sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper for a flavorful base.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high; sear thighs for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
  3. Prep Veggies: Slice carrots, dice bell pepper, and slice onion for vibrant color and texture.
  4. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk apricot preserves, soy sauce, and garlic until smooth.
  5. Layer Crockpot: Place carrots, bell pepper, and onion in a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking.
  6. Add Chicken: Place seared chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
  7. Pour Sauce: Pour apricot sauce mixture over chicken and veggies, ensuring even coating.
  8. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until chicken is tender.
  9. Check Sauce: Stir sauce; simmer on high for 10 minutes if too thin, or add water if too thick.
  10. Serve with Flair: Spoon chicken and veggies into bowls, drizzle with sauce, 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 to balance sweetness to your taste.
  • Leftovers are great in wraps, salads, or over rice for quick meals.
  • Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or a green salad for a complete dinner.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 336Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 138mgSodium 804mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 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.
  • Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness and crunch; baby carrots save prep time.
  • Bell Peppers: Red or yellow peppers add color and mild flavor; green peppers are sharper.
  • Onion: Yellow onion builds a savory base; red onion offers milder sweetness.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce adds savory depth; tamari is gluten-free.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances aroma; garlic powder 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 loin, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Veggie Swap: Replace carrots or peppers with zucchini, broccoli, or green beans.
  • 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.
  • Fruit Swap: Swap apricot preserves with peach or pineapple preserves for variety.
  • Herb Variations: Replace parsley with 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 quinoa for easy meals throughout the week.

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