Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Name: Crock Pot Apricot Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486890H3M1S
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 12 boneless chicken thighs; 2 cups apricot preserves; 4 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons ground ginger; 1/2 onion (diced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Published: July 1, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: With a slow cooker, you can prepare your meal in just 10 minutes, then let it cook while you focus on other tasks.
Flavor Explosion: The mix of apricot preserves and soy sauce provides a unique taste that stands out from typical chicken dishes.
Versatile Meal: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe serves six, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks where you want to impress guests.
Healthy Option: Using boneless chicken thighs ensures a juicy meal packed with protein without excess fats.

Tools and Preparation

To create this easy Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Whisk
Cookie sheet
Aluminum foil
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This is key for hands-off cooking. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Whisk: Perfect for combining your sauce ingredients smoothly without any lumps.
Cookie sheet: Ideal for broiling the chicken at the end for that extra crispy texture.

Ingredients

Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe is sweet and savory. Apricot preserves combine with soy sauce and ginger for chicken you can’t resist. Try this easy meal.

For the Chicken

12 boneless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 onion diced

For the Sauce

2 cups apricot preserves
4 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 teaspoon ground ginger

How to Make Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker. A 6-quart slow cooker works well.
Add the diced onions on top of the chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and ground ginger until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender.

Step 4: Broil for Extra Flavor

Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a cookie sheet lined with foil.
Spoon some of the cooking mixture over the chicken.
Broil in your oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until the chicken begins to brown.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like rice or veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Apricot Chicken!

How to Serve Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Apricot Chicken is a delightful dish that balances sweet and savory flavors. Serving it in creative ways can enhance the dining experience and impress your guests.

Serve with Rice

White rice or brown rice pairs well, soaking up the delicious apricot sauce.

Top with Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley or cilantro adds a fresh touch and brightens the flavor profile.

Accompany with Steamed Vegetables

Broccoli, green beans, or carrots provide a healthy contrast to the rich chicken.

Use in Wraps

Shred the chicken and serve it in a tortilla wrap with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes for a fun meal.

Enjoy with Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens can balance the richness of the chicken.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce on your plate.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

To ensure your Crock Pot Apricot Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken thighs and high-quality apricot preserves will enhance flavor.
Adjust Cooking Time: If using larger chicken pieces, be mindful to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add Flavor Variations: Experiment by adding garlic or different spices for added depth of flavor.
Monitor Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove some liquid before broiling for concentrated flavor.
Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking will help retain its moisture and enhance tenderness.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Apricot Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic provide comfort and balance to the dish.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with cucumber and feta offers freshness that complements the chicken’s sweetness.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots glazed with honey pair beautifully with apricot flavors.
Roasted Asparagus
Charred asparagus adds a healthy crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Bold Measurement Errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can alter the flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Bold Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended 6-8 hours on low for best results.
Bold Skipping the Broiling Step: Broiling adds a nice caramelization to the chicken. Don’t skip this step; it enhances both texture and flavor.
Bold Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Placing too much chicken in the cooker can affect cooking time. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation.
Bold Forgetting to Whisk Ingredients: Failing to whisk together sauces can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Mix them thoroughly before pouring over chicken.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
It will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, and heat until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers your most common questions about the Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe.

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even turkey thighs for a leaner option.

How do I spice up my Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe?

Consider adding red pepper flakes or garlic for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme can also enhance taste.

What sides go well with Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe?

Serve it with rice or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes also pair nicely!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe is not only sweet and savory but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your palate. Try this delightful dish today!

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