This crockpot apricot chicken recipe is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a comforting dinner. The combination of apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and onion soup mix creates a savory-sweet sauce that beautifully complements the tender chicken. It's a slow-cooker recipe that does all of the work for you, making it a great option for busy weekdays.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite simple and easily accessible. However, two ingredients to be aware of that may not be commonly found in your pantry are apricot preserves and Russian dressing. Apricot preserves are a type of sweet spread made from apricots and sugar. This can usually be found in the jam and preserves aisle at your local supermarket. Russian dressing, on the other hand, is a piquant salad dressing that's a mix of mayonnaise and ketchup with additional flavors like horseradish and spices. This is typically found in the salad dressing aisle.
Necessary Ingredients for Crockpot Apricot Chicken
Apricot preserves: These are used to add a sweet and fruity flavor to the dish.
Russian dressing: This adds a tangy twist to the overall flavor of the dish.
Dry onion soup mix: This adds a savory depth to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
Chicken breasts: These are the main protein of the dish, which get beautifully tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
One reader, Giusto Rowan says:
This crockpot apricot chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the chicken comes out so tender. It's incredibly easy to make and always impresses my guests. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Techniques Required for Making Crockpot Apricot Chicken
Mixing the ingredients: Combine the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix in a bowl and mix well until fully combined.
Placing the chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
Pouring the mixture: Pour the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
Cooking the chicken: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the chicken for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Serving the dish: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it with the flavorful apricot sauce and enjoy a delicious meal.
How To Make Crockpot Apricot Chicken
Apricot chicken has a sweet and savory flavor from the apricot preserve in the sauce. The dish is cooked until the meat is extremely juicy and tender.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½cupsapricot preserves
- 1cupRussian dressing
- 1envelopedry onion soup mix
- 6chicken breasts
Instructions
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Mix together the preserves, dressing and soup mix.
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Place chicken in bottom of slow cooker; pour mixture over chicken.
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Cook on Low and continue cooking for 3 to 4 hours.
Nutrition
- Calories: 511.93kcal
- Fat: 16.28g
- Saturated Fat: 4.64g
- Trans Fat: 0.18g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.65g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.42g
- Carbohydrates: 55.75g
- Fiber: 0.67g
- Sugar: 35.02g
- Protein: 37.33g
- Cholesterol: 111.36mg
- Sodium: 663.64mg
- Calcium: 44.44mg
- Potassium: 491.27mg
- Iron: 1.76mg
- Vitamin A: 49.83µg
- Vitamin C: 7.26mg
Crucial Technique for Perfect Apricot Chicken
To ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, try not to lift the lid during the cooking process. Each time you lift the lid, it releases heat and can significantly slow down the cooking time. It's best to let the slow cooker do its job and resist the temptation to peek.
Time-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare what you can in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Save time by using pre-cut vegetables or pre-trimmed meats to cut down on prep time.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in one pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while something is simmering, to save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe
Apricot preserves - Substitute with peach preserves: Peach preserves can provide a similar sweet and fruity flavor to the dish, while still maintaining the desired texture and consistency.
Russian dressing - Substitute with Thousand Island dressing: Both dressings have a creamy and tangy flavor profile, which can work well in the recipe and provide a similar balance of flavors.
Dry onion soup mix - Substitute with homemade onion seasoning: Making your own onion seasoning blend can allow for better control of the ingredients and flavors, and can be a healthier alternative to the pre-packaged soup mix.
Presentation Tips for Apricot Chicken
Elevate the plating: When presenting the crockpot apricot chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrast in texture by incorporating a crispy element such as caramelized nuts or crispy fried shallots to provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender chicken.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out. This will create a visually striking presentation that is both modern and sophisticated.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that each component of the dish is balanced in flavor. Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic reduction to provide a touch of acidity and depth to complement the sweetness of the apricot chicken.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that it is meticulously arranged to showcase the artistry and attention to detail in the presentation of the dish.
Incorporate height: Create visual interest by incorporating varying heights on the plate. Consider stacking the chicken atop a bed of wild rice pilaf or quinoa to add dimension to the presentation.
Use elegant dinnerware: Select fine china or artisanal ceramic plates to elevate the dining experience and showcase the crockpot apricot chicken in a sophisticated and refined manner.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a final touch of freshness and aroma by garnishing the dish with fresh basil leaves or chive blossoms to enhance the overall presentation and provide a delightful fragrance.
Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Chicken
Crockpot: A slow cooker used for cooking food at a low temperature for an extended period of time, making it perfect for tenderizing meats and developing rich flavors.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed before adding to the slow cooker.
Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and other ingredients to ensure the perfect balance of flavors in the dish.
Tongs: Essential for placing the chicken in the slow cooker and removing it once it's fully cooked.
Slow cooker liner: Optional, but can make cleanup easier by preventing the ingredients from sticking to the crockpot.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Crockpot Apricot Chicken
Once the crockpot apricot chicken has cooled down to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag. Make sure to include any leftover sauce from the slow cooker, as it will help keep the chicken moist during storage.
If you plan to consume the leftover apricot chicken within 3-4 days, store it in the refrigerator. It will maintain its best quality and flavor during this time.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crockpot apricot chicken for up to 2-3 months. To do this, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen apricot chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, reheat the chicken and sauce in a pot on the stove over medium heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
If you find that the sauce has thickened too much during storage or reheating, you can thin it out by adding a little bit of water or chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
To maintain the best quality and avoid spoilage, always label the container or bag with the date of storage before refrigerating or freezing the apricot chicken. This will help you keep track of how long it has been stored.
How To Reheat Leftover Apricot Chicken
The best way to reheat leftover crockpot apricot chicken is to use the microwave. Place the desired amount of chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Stir the chicken and sauce halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Another great method for reheating apricot chicken is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize slightly.
For a quick and easy reheat, you can also use the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling. This method allows you to adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little water or chicken broth if it becomes too thick.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your apricot chicken for a crispy texture. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping, and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy. Reheat the sauce separately in the microwave or on the stovetop, and pour it over the chicken before serving.
Lastly, if you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat your crockpot apricot chicken for the most tender and juicy results. Place the chicken and sauce in a vacuum-sealed bag, and cook in a water bath at 140°F (60°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful, while the sauce retains its original consistency.
Interesting Fact About Apricot Chicken
The Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The combination of apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix creates a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the chicken perfectly. Cooking the chicken in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. This recipe is a great option for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without a lot of effort. Plus, it's a hit even with picky eaters, making it a versatile and family-friendly option. Try making this apricot chicken recipe for a tasty and hassle-free dinner.
Is This Crockpot Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This crockpot apricot chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as apricot preserves, russian dressing, and chicken breasts, are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The recipe yields a delicious and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15-20. The sweet and tangy flavors of the apricot complement the tender chicken, making it a delightful dish. I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and flavorful outcome.
Is This Crockpot Chicken Recipe Healthy?
The crockpot apricot chicken recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- Apricot preserves are high in sugar, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues when consumed in large quantities.
- Russian dressing often contains mayonnaise, which is high in fat and calories.
- Dry onion soup mix may contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and other health concerns when consumed in excess.
- The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the apricot preserves with fresh or dried apricots, which will provide the same flavor profile with less added sugar.
- Opt for a low-fat or yogurt-based dressing instead of Russian dressing to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
- Create a homemade onion soup mix using dried onion flakes, onion powder, and a reduced amount of salt to control the sodium content.
- Add a variety of vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a leafy green salad to create a more balanced and wholesome meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Apricot Chicken Recipe
This crockpot apricot chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The apricot preserves and Russian dressing create a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The addition of dry onion soup mix adds depth and richness to the dish. Cooking the chicken in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
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Why trust this Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe:
This delicious crockpot apricot chicken recipe is a tried and tested favorite, guaranteed to impress. The combination of sweet apricot preserves, tangy Russian dressing, and savory dry onion soup mix creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken breasts. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and juicy. Trust the rave reviews and the satisfaction of even the pickiest eaters - this crockpot apricot chicken recipe is a winner!
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