Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Apricot preserves, Soy sauce, and Dijon mustard make a sweet, salty and tangy combo of a sauce for this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken.
This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is stupid easy and really freakin’ good! Apricots are an underrated fruit, IMO. They bring a unique sweetness that complements savory flavors, and in this slow cooker chicken recipe, apricots bring all the flavor! Juicy, shredable chicken thighs (or breasts, if that’s more your jam) are slow-cooked in the crockpot in a sauce, so good, you’ll want to lick the slow cooker liner.
How to Make Apricot Chicken in the Crockpot
For detailed step-by-step instructions, be sure to check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Apricot preserves, Soy sauce, and Dijon mustard make a sweet, salty and tangy combo of a sauce for this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken.
Never Lose This Recipe—Email It to Yourself!
Make sure you have it when you need it! Bonus: You’ll get family-approved recipes and meal-planning tips, too!
Equipment
Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken thighs or breasts boneless and skinless, about 4 lbs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced or grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Season them well with salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of apricot preserves, ½ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of Dijon mustard, and the 2 tablepsoons of fresh minced ginger. Once mixed, pour the sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with the apricot mixture.
- After cooking, serve the chicken thighs whole, or shred them for a different presentation.
Freezer Meal Prep Instructions
- Combine Ingredients the raw chicken thighs (or breasts), 1 cup of apricot preserves, ½ cup of soy sauce, ¼ cup of Dijon mustard, and the 2 tablepsoons of fresh minced ginger in a large zip top freezer bag. If you're using salt and pepper, add these as well. Seal the bag, ensuring you squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Gently massage the chicken in the bag to mix all the ingredients together. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce mixture. This method allows the chicken to marinate and soak up all the flavors while in the freezer.
- Write the date and cooking instructions on the bag. Lay the bag flat in your freezer, allowing it to freeze in a way that maximizes space and facilitates even thawing.
Cooking from Frozen:
- If you’re cooking the chicken directly from frozen, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Set your slow cooker on low and cook for 7-8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The key is to ensure that the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Notes
*Nutritional information uses chicken thighs.
Apricot chicken pairs really well with rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives, green onion, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and a burst of color.
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- Choosing the Right Cut: While this recipe uses thighs, remember that chicken breasts can also be used. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in a slow cooker, but breasts are a great leaner option.
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- Layering for Flavor: When adding your chicken to the slow cooker, consider layering. Place half the chicken in, pour some sauce, then add the rest and cover with the remaining sauce. This ensures every piece gets a good coating of that flavorful apricot mixture.
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- Avoid Overcrowding: To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Each piece of chicken should be in contact with the sauce and not stacked too high.
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- Low and Slow: Resist the urge to cook on high to save time. Slow cookers are designed to bring out the best flavors when used on a low setting, especially for meat recipes like this one.
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- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken at the end and mix a cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the cooker. Heat it on high for a few minutes until it thickens, then pour it over the chicken.
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- Resting Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute.
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- Freshness Counts: Fresh ginger has a more vibrant flavor than powdered. If you have access to fresh ginger, it can really make a difference in the overall taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5 pound, Calories: 356kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 46g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 215mg, Sodium: 1109mg, Potassium: 628mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 121IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 34mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Cuisine Asian Inspired
If you try this easy Crockpot Apricot Chicken recipe or any of my other recipes on Meal Planning blueprints, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!
Serving Ideas
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier twist, try serving the chicken over quinoa or couscous. These grains offer a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and savory chicken.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or a mix of your favorite seasonal veggies, either steamed or roasted, add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the apricot chicken. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or soba go well with this apricot chicken. They offer a different texture and a nice contrast to the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Different Chicken Cuts: If you prefer, swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. The recipe is versatile, so you can use whichever cut of chicken you like best or even a mix of both.
- Apricot Alternatives: No apricot preserves? Try peach or plum preserves for a similar flavor.
- Soy Sauce Swap: For a gluten-free option or a lower sodium dish, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
- Mustard Varieties: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, feel free to use whole-grain mustard or even regular mustard for a different twist.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick with some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat with your sweet.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots for added nutrition and texture. Add these during the last hour of cooking so they maintain some crispness.
- Garnish Galore: Before serving, sprinkle some chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- Choosing the Right Cut: While this recipe uses thighs, remember that chicken breasts can also be used. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving in a slow cooker, but breasts are a great leaner option.
- Layering for Flavor: When adding your chicken to the slow cooker, consider layering. Place half the chicken in, pour some sauce, then add the rest and cover with the remaining sauce. This ensures every piece gets a good coating of that flavorful apricot mixture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Each piece of chicken should be in contact with the sauce and not stacked too high.
- Low and Slow: Resist the urge to cook on high to save time. Slow cookers are designed to bring out the best flavors when used on a low setting, especially for meat recipes like this one.
- Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the cooked chicken at the end and mix a cornstarch slurry into the remaining sauce in the cooker. Heat it on high for a few minutes until it thickens, then pour it over the chicken.
- Resting Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute.
- Freshness Counts: Fresh ginger has a more vibrant flavor than powdered. If you have access to fresh ginger, it can really make a difference in the overall taste.
