Crockpot Apricot Chicken is a tasty and easy dish where chicken gets a sweet twist! With tender chicken pieces cooked in a delicious apricot sauce, it’s perfect for busy days.
Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic! I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. Plus, my family thinks I’m a kitchen wizard! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be a healthier option, but they may need a little extra cooking time to stay juicy.
Apricot Preserves: This is the star ingredient, providing sweetness. If apricot preserves aren’t available, peach or fig preserves make a great substitute and add a different but delightful flavor.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce is the go-to for umami flavor. If you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, or if you’re avoiding soy, tamari and coconut aminos are excellent alternatives that work well in this recipe.
Onion Soup Mix: It adds depth to the dish. If you don’t have it, you can combine onion powder, garlic powder, and a touch of beef bouillon or use homemade onion soup mix if you’re feeling adventurous!
Olive Oil: Browning is optional, but a drizzle of olive oil adds richness. If you’re skipping the browning step, you can use any cooking oil you have on hand, like vegetable or canola oil.
How Do I Get the Most Flavor from Browning the Chicken?
Browning the chicken adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this dish. It helps seal in moisture and creates a great texture. Follow these steps to achieve perfect results:
- Heat your skillet on medium heat and add olive oil. Wait for it to shimmer slightly before adding the chicken.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the skillet without overcrowding. This helps achieve a nice golden color.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Then, flip and repeat on the other side. Don’t rush this step as it builds flavor!
If you’re short on time, you can skip this step; just note that the sauce will be sweeter and less complex without that caramelized flavor.
Delicious Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 20 minutes of prep time (including browning the chicken) plus cooking time. If you’re cooking on low, plan for 6-8 hours, or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day as you can set it in the morning and enjoy a warm meal in the evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Chicken (Optional):
If you want extra flavor, start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden. This step adds a nice touch, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and go straight to the next step!
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, and onion soup mix. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together in the crockpot!
3. Assembling in the Crockpot:
Place the browned (or raw) chicken thighs into your crockpot. Pour the apricot mixture over the top, making sure the chicken is nicely coated with that sweet and savory sauce.
4. Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you choose low, let it cook for 6-8 hours, or set it to high if you’re in a hurry for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and fully cooked through.
5. Serving Your Meal:
When the chicken is done, serve it over bowls of cooked rice, drizzling some of the delicious sauce from the crockpot over the chicken and rice. This makes each bite extra tasty!
6. Garnishing:
If you want to make it look even more appetizing, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your delightful Crockpot Apricot Chicken!
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe. Just be mindful that breasts can dry out more easily, so if using breasts, consider checking for doneness a bit earlier than the recommended cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Apricot Preserves?
If you don’t have apricot preserves, you can use other fruit preserves like peach or mango, or even a combination of apricot and honey for similar sweetness. Just keep the textures similar, as the consistency helps in sauce formation.
How to Store Leftover Crockpot Apricot Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep it moist while reheating.
