Irresistible Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something magical about the blend of savory and sweet in a dish, especially when it comes to Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken. Imagine tender chicken infused with a rich apricot glaze that dances on your taste buds like a ballerina at a gourmet gala. savory chicken linguine dish The aroma wafts through your kitchen, pulling everyone in like moths to a flame, promising flavors so delightful you’ll want to slap your grandma (but don’t; she’s probably the reason you’re learning to cook).

This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner ready without any of the fuss. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you binge-watch your favorite show or scroll through social media. cheesy stuffed flank steak Trust me, this recipe will have you feeling like a culinary wizard without needing a wand—just some chicken and apricots.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is simple yet delicious; it offers a masterpiece of flavors while requiring minimal effort
  • The combination of sweet and savory creates an irresistible taste sensation that will impress anyone at your table
  • Plus, it’s visually stunning when served, making it ideal for any occasion
  • This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice or vegetables for a complete meal

Family gatherings are always memorable, especially when my aunt brings her famous apricot chicken. crockpot butternut squash Everyone raves about it, and I secretly jot down her recipe on napkins when she’s not looking.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Dried Apricots: Choose plump apricots for sweetness; chop them into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

  • Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sauté until translucent for an extra flavor boost.

  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves give a zesty kick; mince them finely to release their full flavor.

  • Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This balances sweetness with saltiness; opt for low-sodium to control flavor intensity.

  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness; adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness.

  • Ketchup: Surprisingly essential for creating that sticky glaze; go for quality ketchup here.

  • Pepper and Salt: Simple seasonings that elevate the overall dish; use freshly cracked pepper for best results. cozy stuffed pepper soup.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the dried apricots into small pieces and dicing the onion. This step ensures even cooking and distribution of flavors throughout the chicken.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic—about one minute. This builds a flavorful base.

Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, honey, ketchup, salt, and pepper until smooth. Feel free to adjust sweetness or saltiness based on your taste preferences—this is your dish after all!

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the apricot mixture over them evenly along with sautéed onions and garlic.

Cook Low and Slow: Cover and set your slow cooker to low for six hours or high for three hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred effortlessly with two forks.

Serve It Up!: Once cooked through, serve your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken over rice or with steamed vegetables. Drizzle some of that luscious sauce on top—it’s where all the magic happens! For more inspiration, check out this Sticky Honey Chicken Recipe recipe.

And there you have it! Your kitchen now boasts an aromatic experience that’s sure to impress family or guests alike. Enjoy every bite as if you’ve just discovered gold at the end of a culinary rainbow!

You Must Know

  • This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy nights
  • The sweet and savory aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel cozy and inviting
  • Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in those juicy flavors, then add apricots and seasonings for a delightful mix.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping apricots for peaches or adding some chili flakes for an unexpected spicy twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always brown the chicken before slow cooking to enhance its flavor
  • Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish further
  • For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking

Sharing this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken at family dinners always brings compliments; I can still hear my aunt raving about it!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken?

Using frozen chicken is not recommended; thaw it first for even cooking.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken?

Serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious sauce.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for tender results.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that transforms tender chicken into a gourmet dish with minimal effort. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights—simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you unwind. The rich apricot glaze will have everyone at the table raving, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or casual dinners. Serve it over rice or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the dried apricots and dicing the onion.
  2. Sauté the onion in a skillet over medium heat until translucent; add minced garlic and cook for one more minute.
  3. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, ketchup, salt, and pepper.
  4. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, then pour the apricot mixture over them along with sautéed onions and garlic.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
  6. Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables, drizzling sauce on top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.