Crock Pot Apricot Chicken is a simple and tasty dish with tender chicken cooked in a sweet apricot sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without much fuss!
The chicken gets super juicy, and the sweet and tangy sauce makes it feel special. I love serving it over rice—this combo makes dinner a breeze! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay moist during cooking. You can swap them for chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary a bit!
Apricot Halves: Canned apricots work great here. If you’re out, try using peaches or even fresh apricots when in season. Just chop them up to mimic the texture. It will give a different flavor but still be delicious!
Apricot Preserves: This adds sweetness, but if you’re looking for a less sugary option, honey or maple syrup can work too. You might need to adjust the amount, so start with a bit less and taste as you go.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free version, you can use tamari or coconut aminos. Both will add that salty depth without the gluten!
Dijon Mustard: If you’re not a mustard fan, feel free to leave it out or replace it with a bit of honey mustard for a sweeter taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sauce Consistency?
Thickening your sauce is easy and really makes a difference. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- About 30 minutes before you want to serve, stir this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot.
- Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Keep an eye on it! You want it thick and pourable, not gluey.
This little tip helps elevate your dish, making the sauce cling nicely to the chicken and rice!
Crock Pot Apricot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (feel free to use thighs with skin or bone-in if you prefer)
For the Sauce:
- 1 (14 oz) can apricot halves, drained and chopped (reserve the juice)
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves or jam
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This savory dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Cooking in the crock pot takes 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. The total time to enjoy your delicious meal will be around 7 hours if cooking on LOW, but you can set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken thighs at the bottom of the crock pot. This will allow them to absorb all that delicious sauce as they cook.
2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, reserved juice from the can of apricot halves, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, black pepper, dried thyme (if using), and red pepper flakes (if you like some heat). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. The combination of flavors is what makes this dish sing!
3. Assemble the Dish:
Pour the flavorful apricot sauce evenly over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure every piece gets some delicious sauce. Then, gently add the chopped apricot halves on top of both the sauce and chicken. This will give you extra bites of apricot goodness!
4. Cook It Up:
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked by the end of this time. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, about 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, whisk together the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the crock pot and continue to cook on HIGH until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is cooked, serve the juicy chicken over a bed of rice or your favorite side dish. Don’t forget to spoon some of the tasty sauce and apricot pieces over the top—it adds a nice touch! Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
This Crock Pot Apricot Chicken is a delightful combination of sweet and savory, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before placing it in the crock pot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just pop everything into the crock pot when you’re ready to cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Sauce?
Yes! If you find the sauce too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of apricot preserves. Alternatively, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of vinegar to balance the sweetness without changing the overall flavor profile.
