My Easy Apricot Chicken
Let’s talk about an easy dinner. This is my slow cooker apricot chicken. It is sweet and savory chicken. The kind that makes everyone ask for seconds.
I love this apricot chicken recipe. It is perfect for busy nights. You just brown the chicken a bit. Then let your slow cooker do the rest. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Why This Recipe Works
This is an easy slow cooker chicken. Why does it matter? Because good food should not be hard. A happy cook makes a happy home. I truly believe that.
Using bone-in chicken thighs is my secret. They stay so juicy. The fat and bones add so much flavor. It makes a family friendly chicken dinner everyone loves.
A Little Story for You
I first made this crockpot apricot chicken for my grandson. He is a picky eater. He took one bite and his eyes got wide. He asked for more right away. I still laugh at that.
Now it’s a regular request. That is the best compliment. What is a meal your family always asks for? Tell me about it in the comments.
Let’s Talk Flavor
The star here is apricot jam chicken. The jam gets all saucy and rich. You add a little soy sauce and vinegar. It balances the sweet with a tangy kick.
*Fun fact*: You can use peach jam or orange marmalade too! It will still be delicious. Cooking should be flexible, don’t you think?
Your Simple Steps
Brown your slow cooker chicken thighs first. This step is quick but important. It makes the skin tasty. Then everything goes into the pot.
Set it and forget it. In a few hours, your kitchen will smell amazing. The sauce becomes a thick, shiny glaze. Spoon it over rice. It’s pure comfort.
Making It Your Own
This is a great weeknight dinner recipe. Why does this matter? Because you deserve a break. A good meal brings everyone to the table. That time together is precious.
You can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Would you try the hot sauce for a little spice? Or keep it mild for the kids? Let me know how you make it yours.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 to 2 tablespoons | |
| Chicken thighs | 6 | Blotted with a paper towel; bone-in, skin-on (boneless thighs or boneless skinless chicken breasts may be substituted) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, or to taste | |
| Freshly ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon, or to taste | |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon, or to taste | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon, or to taste | |
| Apricot jam | 3/4 cup | Apricot preserves, peach jam/preserves, orange marmalade, or another favorite not-overly-sweet jam may be substituted |
| Chicken broth | 1/3 cup | If using reduced sodium, you may want to add a bit more salt |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | Helps create a glaze; do not omit |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon | Reduced sodium or regular, depending on preference |
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 teaspoons | |
| Hot sauce (e.g., Cholula, Valentina, Sambal Olek) | 1 teaspoon | Optional and to taste |
| Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, cilantro, green onions) | For garnishing | Optional, finely minced |
Instructions
Step 1: First, pat your chicken thighs dry. This helps them get nice and brown. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. I love that sweet and savory chicken smell already. Heat some oil in a big pan. Brown the chicken, skin-side down, for a few minutes. Flip and cook the other side. (Blotting the chicken is my hard-learned tip for a better sear!)
Step 2: Now, let’s make the magic sauce for our slow cooker apricot chicken. Into your crockpot, add the apricot jam, broth, and cornstarch. Stir in the soy sauce, vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Stir it all until it’s smooth. This easy slow cooker chicken sauce will become a glaze.
Step 3: Place your browned bone-in chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Spoon some of that lovely sauce right over the top. Put the lid on tight. Let it cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Your kitchen will fill with the best aroma. What’s your favorite smell from grandma’s kitchen? Share below!
Step 4: When time’s up, check that the chicken is cooked through. It should reach 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes. This keeps all the juices inside. Then, garnish with fresh herbs if you like. This apricot jam chicken is so tender, it just falls off the bone. It’s the perfect family friendly chicken dinner.
Creative Twists
Try this apricot chicken recipe with a fun change! Use peach jam or orange marmalade instead. Add a handful of dried apricots right into the slow cooker. Mix a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the glaze for a little zing. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Serve your crockpot apricot chicken over a big bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the delicious glaze. Steamed green beans or broccoli on the side are perfect. For a cozy night, try it with creamy mashed potatoes. This easy slow cooker chicken makes any weeknight dinner recipes special. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Apricot Chicken Just Right
Let’s talk about keeping your apricot chicken tasty. Store leftovers in the fridge for three days. Use a tight-lid container. The sauce keeps the chicken moist. You can also freeze it for two months. I freeze portions in small containers. This makes a fast future dinner.
Reheat it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth. This stops the sauce from getting too thick. My first time, I microwaved it. The sauce separated! A gentle warm-up works much better.
Batch cooking this apricot chicken recipe is a smart move. Double the recipe on a lazy Sunday. You get two family friendly chicken dinners from one effort. This matters because life gets busy. A ready meal feels like a hug on a tough day.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups
Every cook faces little problems. Here are three easy fixes. First, is your sauce too thin? Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water. Stir it into the hot sauce. It will thicken up nicely.
Second, worried about dry chicken? Using bone-in chicken thighs helps a lot. They stay juicier in the slow cooker. I remember when I used breasts and they dried out. Thighs are more forgiving for this easy slow cooker chicken.
Third, is the flavor just okay? Balance is key. If your apricot jam chicken is too sweet, add a dash more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, a tiny bit more jam. Tasting as you cook builds confidence. It makes your sweet and savory chicken perfect for you.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to cook apricot chicken?
The best way is in your slow cooker. It makes the chicken incredibly tender. First, sear your bone-in chicken thighs in a pan. This adds great flavor. Then let your crockpot apricot chicken cook low and slow. The result is a fall-off-the-bone, sweet and savory chicken dish with a delicious glaze.
Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?
You can, but the sauce will be different. Chop about six ripe fresh apricots. Cook them down with a little sugar and water until soft. This makes a lighter, less sweet sauce than jam. Jam gives a thicker, glossier glaze. Both ways make a lovely apricot chicken recipe.
What sides go well with apricot chicken?
Fluffy white rice is my favorite. It soaks up the amazing sauce. Buttered noodles or mashed potatoes work great too. For something green, try steamed broccoli or green beans. A simple side salad is also perfect. These sides turn your slow cooker chicken thighs into a complete, satisfying meal.
Is apricot chicken considered a healthy dish?
It can be part of a healthy meal. Chicken thighs provide good protein. Using a moderate amount of jam controls sugar. Pair it with lots of vegetables. You can also use low-sodium broth and soy sauce. This makes one of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes both tasty and balanced.
How do you thicken the sauce for apricot chicken?
The cornstarch in the recipe thickens it as it cooks. If you need it thicker later, make a slurry. Mix one tablespoon cornstarch with two tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the hot sauce in the pot. Let it cook for a few more minutes. Your apricot jam chicken sauce will become a perfect glaze.
Can apricot chicken be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes to both! This recipe is perfect for a slow cooker apricot chicken. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the chicken. Then add everything and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Both methods give you tender, flavorful easy slow cooker chicken.
*Fun fact: Apricots are related to peaches and plums!*
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy dish. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. The smell reminds me of happy family dinners. I want it to do the same for you.
Please tell me all about your cooking adventure. Did your family enjoy it? What sides did you choose? I read every comment and love hearing from you.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it went in the comments below. Your stories are my favorite part of this job.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken
Description
A perfect blend of sweet apricot and savory spices, this easy slow cooker or oven-baked chicken is a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and Sear: To a large skillet, add the oil, season the blotted chicken with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powders, add it with the skin side down, and sear over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is beginning to brown. Flip the chicken over and cook the second side for about 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside momentarily.
- Cooking Liquids/Sauce: Spray the ceramic insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray if desired for easier cleanup. Add the apricot jam, chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, and stir to combine with a wooden spoon.
- Add Chicken: Transfer the chicken from the skillet and all the cooking juices into the slow cooker with the skin side up, spoon some of the cooking liquids or sauce over the top, and place the lid on top.
- Slow Cook: Cook for about 2-3 hours on HIGH, or about 4-6 hours on LOW. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165F when measured with a thermometer. Cooking times are an estimate only.
- Rest, Garnish, Serve: Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes, optionally garnish with fresh herbs, and serve it making sure to utilize all the apricot glaze and sauce in your slow cooker with the chicken or spoon it over rice, potatoes, or veggies.
- Baking Directions: Preheat oven to 325F. Season and brown the chicken as in Step 1. Remove chicken, add all sauce ingredients to the skillet and stir. Add chicken back, spoon sauce over it, cover, and braise for 45 minutes or until 165F. Rest, garnish, and serve.
Notes
- Nutrition information is per serving. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce in a pan after cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.