Name: Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
Ingredients: ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 cup apricot preserves or jam; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 green onions, sliced (garnish); Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a glossy, tangy-sweet apricot glaze with hints of soy, garlic, and ginger. This fuss-free slow-cooker wonder delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken is pure magic in the slow cooker: juicy chicken practically melts into a sticky, finger-licking sauce that perfectly balances bright apricot sweetness with savory depth from soy and ginger. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe—ten minutes of prep, then walk away while your house fills with the most irresistible aroma. The result is fall-apart tender meat coated in a glossy glaze that rivals your favorite takeout, yet it’s made with pantry staples. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day. One bite, and this will instantly join your regular rotation!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Sear for extra flavor: Quick stovetop sear before slow cooking adds depth (optional but delicious).
Use thighs: They stay juicier than breasts in the slow cooker.
Thicken sauce at end: Remove chicken, then simmer sauce with cornstarch slurry for restaurant gloss.
Double the sauce: Everyone wants extra for rice or veggies.
Add veggies last hour: Carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas keep their texture.
Taste before serving: Adjust with extra jam or soy to your preference.
Liner – easy cleanup: Slow-cooker liners are a lifesaver with sticky glazes.

Yield: 6 Servings

Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Tender slow-cooker chicken in a sticky-sweet apricot glaze—effortless and outrageously delicious!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup apricot preserves or jam
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 green onions, sliced (garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

Gather your flavor squad: Grab all ingredients—this recipe comes together faster than you can say “dinner’s ready”!
Whisk the magic sauce: In a bowl, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil until smooth.
Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat from thighs and place them snugly in your slow cooker—hello, cozy flavor bath!
Pour the goodness: Dump the apricot mixture over the chicken. Give everything a gentle stir to coat each piece.
Set it and forget it: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours—your house will smell incredible!
Check tenderness: When chicken easily shreds with a fork, it’s ready. Give it a taste—adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer chicken: Move thighs to a plate and loosely tent with foil—they’re resting like champions.
Thicken that sauce: Turn slow cooker to high. Whisk cornstarch slurry directly into the sauce—watch it transform into glossy perfection in 3-5 minutes!
Reunite the family: Return chicken to the sauce, gently tossing to coat every piece in sticky deliciousness.
Serve with flair: Spoon over rice or noodles, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds—dinner just became legendary!

Notes

For deeper color, broil chicken 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
Sauce thickens more as it cools—perfect for leftovers.
Leftovers make amazing tacos, sliders, or pizza topping.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 516Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 139mgSodium 170mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 1gSugar 23gProtein 37g

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 are easiest; bone-in works (increase cook time slightly).
Apricot preserves: Provides sweetness and body—use jam or preserves, not fresh fruit.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium recommended for balance; tamari for gluten-free.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the sweet sauce; apple cider vinegar substitutes well.
Garlic & ginger: Freshly minced for punch; jarred is acceptable in a pinch.
Sesame oil: Adds nutty finish—don’t skip the final drizzle.
Green onions: Fresh garnish for color and mild onion bite.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swap: Use pork tenderloin, meatballs, or tofu (reduce cook time for tofu).
Jam flavors: Try peach, orange marmalade, or pineapple preserves.
Spicy kick: Add sriracha, chili flakes, or sambal oelek to taste.
Fresh fruit version: Stir in diced fresh apricots last 30 minutes.
Lower sugar: Use sugar-free preserves and a touch of honey.
Vegan: Substitute jackfruit or chickpeas + vegetable broth.
Instant Pot: High pressure 10 minutes, natural release 10.
Oven method: 350°F covered for 1 hour, uncover last 15 minutes.
Add veggies: Pineapple chunks, bell peppers, or broccoli in last hour.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze chicken and sauce together up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently.
Meal prep: Portion with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.