Name: Tender Apricot Chicken with a Sweet Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Ingredients: ¼ cup Dijon mustard; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 cup apricot preserves; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated; 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a luscious apricot-Dijon glaze with hints of soy and ginger. This effortless crockpot classic delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a glossy, crowd-pleasing sweet sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tender Apricot Chicken with a Sweet Glaze is pure slow-cooker perfection: the chicken becomes fall-apart tender while bathing in a sauce that’s the ideal marriage of fruity sweetness and savory depth. Apricot preserves melt into a silky glaze, brightened by Dijon and balanced with soy and ginger—every bite is sunshine on a plate. It’s an ultra-simple dump-and-go recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, yet it’s ready with just 10 minutes of prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or when you want something everyone—from kids to grandparents—will devour. The glossy sauce doubles as a dipping dream, and leftovers are even better the next day. One taste and this retro-classic-turned-modern-favorite will live rent-free in your meal rotation!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use thighs: They stay juicy and absorb more flavor than breasts.
Sear for bonus flavor: Quick 2-minute sear adds gorgeous color (optional).
Thicken at the end: Cornstarch slurry turns the sauce into glossy perfection.
Double the glaze: Everyone wants extra for rice or veggies.
Add veggies last hour: Carrots, bell peppers, or pineapple stay crisp-tender.
Taste & adjust: Add more preserves for sweeter, more mustard for tang.
Broil for sticky finish: 2-3 minutes under broiler caramelizes the glaze beautifully.

Yield: 6 Servings

Tender Apricot Chicken with a Sweet Glaze

Juicy chicken in a glossy apricot-Dijon glaze—sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 cup apricot preserves
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Whisk the dreamy glaze: In a bowl, combine apricot preserves, Dijon, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger—your kitchen already smells amazing!
Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat from thighs and place them in the slow cooker like little flavor sponges.
Pour the magic: Spoon half the glaze over the chicken, flip pieces to coat both sides—save the rest!
Set it & relax: Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours or high 2-3 hours—until chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Check perfection: Chicken should shred easily with a fork and reach 165°F internally.
Transfer gently: Move chicken to a plate and tent with foil—it’s earned a rest!
Thicken that gold: Turn crockpot to high, whisk in cornstarch slurry + reserved glaze—watch it turn glossy in 3-5 minutes.
Reunite & coat: Return chicken to the pot and gently toss in the thickened sauce—heaven!
Optional caramelize: Spread on a baking sheet and broil 2-3 minutes for sticky edges (so worth it).
Serve with joy: Plate over rice or mashed potatoes, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions—dinner is served!

Notes

For extra shine, brush with extra glaze right before broiling.
Sauce thickens more as it cools—perfect for leftovers.
Leftovers make incredible sandwiches, wraps, or pizza topping.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 465Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 7gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 174mgSodium 300mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 46g

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 adds richness (increase cook time 30-60 min).
Apricot preserves: The star—use good-quality jam or preserves for best flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness that balances sweetness perfectly.
Soy sauce: Low-sodium preferred; gives umami backbone.
Ginger & garlic: Freshly grated/minced for bright punch.
Rice vinegar: Brightens everything; apple cider vinegar works too.
Sesame seeds & green onions: Classic finishing garnish for color and crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swap: Pork tenderloin, meatballs, or salmon fillets (reduce cook time).
Peach or mango: Swap preserves for peach or mango for a tropical twist.
Spicy kick: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili-garlic sauce.
Lower sugar: Use sugar-free preserves + a touch of honey.
Pineapple version: Add pineapple chunks last 30 minutes.
Instant Pot: High pressure 10 minutes + quick release.
Oven method: 350°F covered 45 minutes, uncover & broil last 5.
Creamy style: Stir in ¼ cup coconut milk or cream at the end.
Asian fusion: Add hoisin and five-spice powder.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in sauce up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze chicken + glaze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, reheat gently.
Meal prep: Perfect over rice with steamed veggies for the week.