If you’re searching for a dish that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas and delights every palate, this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is an absolute treasure. Imagine tender chicken thighs soaking in a luscious, sweet-and-savory apricot sauce, slowly simmered to perfection while you go about your day. It’s a family-friendly dinner that promises comfort, rich flavors, and hands-off cooking, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe calls for a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Each element plays its part perfectly—from the savoriness of soy sauce to the natural sweetness of apricot preserves—to build layers of texture and color in your dish.
- 6 chicken thighs: Bone-in for maximum juiciness and flavor, but boneless can work too.
- 1 cup apricot preserves: This is the star that brings natural sweetness and depth to your sauce.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup chicken stock: Helps create a rich and slightly salty sauce base.
- 1 onion, sliced: Brings sweetness and an aromatic backbone to the dish as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, slightly spicy touch that complements the apricot.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Aromatics
Start by placing the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This base not only infuses the dish with fantastic aroma but also prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom, adding a subtle sweetness as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the onions and garlic, ensuring they are spread evenly for consistent cooking. The chicken will absorb all the flavors from the bottom layer as the cooking progresses.
Step 3: Whisk the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, and chicken stock. Whisk everything together until silky smooth. This mixture is what brings the dish alive—offering that beautiful blend of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that makes this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe so crave-worthy.
Step 4: Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become meltingly tender in that sticky apricot glaze.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To decorate and enhance the flavors, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or cilantro over the top just before serving. A light scattering of toasted sesame seeds can also add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apricot sauce.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe shines when paired with simple yet tasty sides. Fluffy steamed rice or quinoa soak up the luscious sauce beautifully. For a fresher balance, serve alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli, which add a pop of color and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of buttery mashed sweet potatoes, which complement the apricot’s sweetness perfectly. Alternatively, you can turn leftovers into delicious wraps with fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce, making this recipe as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce thickens and flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Stored properly, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to save this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This careful reheating preserves the chicken’s tenderness and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and moisture, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can work fine. Just be mindful that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if left too long, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is it necessary to use apricot preserves?
Apricot preserves give the dish its signature sweet and fruity flavor, but you could experiment with other fruit preserves like peach or mango. Keep in mind that this will slightly change the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I thicken the sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a thicker glaze, whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking on high. This will give you a nice, glossy finish.
Do I need to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
While browning the chicken can add extra depth of flavor, it’s not necessary for this recipe. The slow cooker does a great job of cooking chicken thoroughly while infusing it with flavor.
What are some good alternatives for soy sauce if I have dietary restrictions?
You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives. Both provide a similar umami flavor without the gluten content found in most soy sauces.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe, it feels like sharing a bit of comfort and joy with my loved ones. The ease of preparation, combined with the luscious flavors and tender chicken, makes it an absolute favorite to come back to again and again. So grab your slow cooker, and treat yourself to this delicious, fuss-free meal that everyone will adore!
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A family-friendly slow cooker chicken dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory apricot sauce, perfect for an easy and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker to create a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Make Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, and chicken stock until smooth to form the sweet and savory sauce.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared apricot sauce evenly over the chicken thighs to coat them thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the apricot chicken hot, ideally with steamed rice or your choice of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- To thicken the sauce before serving, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if preferred; cooking time may vary slightly.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Australian
