This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is a delightful mix of sweet and savory, featuring tender chicken thighs, a tangy homemade French dressing, and a delicious apricot preserve glaze. The secret ingredient is the dry onion soup mix, which adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish stand out. A slow cooker does all the hard work, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your pantry. Nevertheless, you might need to check your local supermarket for apricot preserves and dry onion soup mix, and possibly French dressing if you prefer not to make it yourself. Make sure to choose apricot preserves that are not overly sweet to balance the flavors. The dry onion soup mix can be found in the soup aisle of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Chicken thighs: These are the star of this dish. Chosen for their tenderness and flavor, they're seasoned and cooked until juicy and delicious.
Kosher salt: An essential seasoning ingredient that brings out the flavor of the chicken.
Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick to the chicken.
Dry onion soup mix: Provides a depth of flavor to the dish.
French dressing: A tangy and slightly sweet dressing that complements the apricot and chicken.
Apricot preserves: Provides a sweet, fruity element to the dish that pairs beautifully with the savory components.
Thyme: This herb adds earthiness and aromatics to the dish.
One reader, Bondie Sturgill says:
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken comes out so tender and juicy. The combination of apricot preserves and French dressing is simply divine. It's a hit with my family every time, and it's so easy to make. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
How to brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown each side in a cast iron skillet for 3 to 5 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker, skin side up.
How to make the French dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ketchup, sugar, white vinegar, onion, lemon juice, dry mustard, paprika, and salt until well combined.
How to make the onion soup mix: Whisk together the dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and pepper until fully combined.
How to cook the chicken: After adding the chicken to the slow cooker, pour half of the prepared sauce over the chicken and refrigerate the remaining sauce. Cook the chicken on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
How to broil the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. Cover the chicken with the remaining sauce and broil on high in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.
How To Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
The sweetness of apricot contributes to the well-roundedness of this apricot chicken dish and balanced with French dressing, spices, and tender chicken.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Apricot Chicken:
- 5chicken thighs
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspground black peppercoarse
- 1pktdry onion soup mix
- 1cupFrench dressing
- 1cupapricot preserves
- 1tbspthyme
For French Dressing:
- 1cupolive oil
- ⅔cupketchup
- ½cupsugar
- ½cupwhite vinegar
- 2tbsponionchopped
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tspdry mustard
- 1tsppaprika
- 1tspsalt
For Onion Soup Mix:
- ¼cupdried onion flakes
- 2tbspbeef bouillon granules
- ¼tsponion powder
- ¼tspparsley flakes
- ⅛tspcelery seed
- ⅛tsppaprika
- ⅛tsppepper
Instructions
Apricot Chicken:
-
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the cast iron skillet, skin side down browning each side for 3 to 5 minutes before adding to the slow cooker skin side up.
-
In a bowl add the rest of the ingredients and whisk them together and pour half the sauce over the chicken, refrigerating the rest.
-
Cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours then remove the chicken to a baking sheet.
-
Cover with remaining sauce and broil on high under your oven’s broiler for 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbly and caramelized.
Onion Soup Mix:
-
Whisk together and cook all the ingredients.
French Dressing:
-
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk all ingredients together.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1424.35kcal
- Fat: 107.66g
- Saturated Fat: 20.64g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 54.52g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 26.38g
- Carbohydrates: 83.52g
- Fiber: 1.34g
- Sugar: 55.75g
- Protein: 35.61g
- Cholesterol: 200.24mg
- Sodium: 1677.99mg
- Calcium: 54.21mg
- Potassium: 639.55mg
- Iron: 2.77mg
- Vitamin A: 85.95µg
- Vitamin C: 10.20mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
When broiling the chicken with the remaining sauce, keep a close eye on it as broiling can quickly turn from caramelized to burnt. The high heat from the broiler can cause the sugars in the apricot preserves to burn quickly. To avoid this, you can also try setting your oven rack further away from the broiler, or reducing the broiling time.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Apricot Chicken in a Slow Cooker
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare the slow cooker insert the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-made ingredients: Consider using pre-made onion soup mix and French dressing to cut down on prep time and simplify the recipe.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking in the slow cooker, use that time to prepare side dishes or work on other tasks to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.
Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can be a time-saving kitchen appliance, allowing you to set it and forget it while the meal cooks, freeing up time for other activities.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
Chicken thighs - Substitute with bone-in chicken breasts: Chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken thighs, and the bone-in variety will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
Dry onion soup mix - Substitute with homemade onion soup mix: A homemade onion soup mix can be made using dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and pepper, providing a more customizable and preservative-free option.
French dressing - Substitute with homemade French dressing: A homemade French dressing can be made using olive oil, ketchup, sugar, white vinegar, onion, lemon juice, dry mustard, paprika, and salt, providing a fresher and more customizable alternative to store-bought dressing.
Apricot preserves - Substitute with peach preserves: Peach preserves can be used as a substitute for apricot preserves, providing a similar sweet and fruity flavor to the dish.
Thyme - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, providing a slightly different flavor profile with a hint of pine and citrus notes.
Presenting Apricot Chicken from the Slow Cooker
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker apricot chicken, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out. Arrange the chicken thighs neatly and consider adding a sprig of fresh thyme or a slice of apricot as a garnish for a pop of color.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Complement the tender apricot chicken with a side of fluffy couscous or creamy mashed potatoes. The contrast in textures will add depth to the dish and elevate the overall dining experience.
Emphasize the glaze: Highlight the glossy, caramelized glaze of the apricot chicken by carefully drizzling any remaining sauce over the plated dish just before serving. This will create a stunning visual effect and showcase the rich flavors of the dish.
Mindful portioning: Pay attention to portion sizes and aim for balance. Consider serving the apricot chicken alongside a vibrant green salad or roasted vegetables to create a visually striking and well-rounded presentation.
Artful placement: Thoughtfully place the chicken on the plate, ensuring that each element of the dish is positioned with care. Attention to detail in the placement of the apricot chicken and accompanying sides will demonstrate precision and artistry in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Apricot Chicken in a Slow Cooker
- Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty pan that provides even heat distribution and is perfect for browning and searing meats.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance that allows for long, slow cooking at low temperatures, making it ideal for tenderizing meats and developing flavors.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and broiling foods in the oven.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, such as the sauce for the apricot chicken.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, such as for whisking together the French dressing.
- Oven: Used for broiling the chicken to caramelize the sauce.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
- Let the apricot chicken cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the apricot chicken for up to 3 months for optimal quality and flavor.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out while reheating.
- Avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed apricot chicken to maintain food safety and quality.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover apricot chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
If you prefer a crispier texture, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is heated through.
For a quick and easy option, you can reheat the apricot chicken in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become rubbery.
If you have leftover apricot sauce, you can reheat it separately in a saucepan on the stovetop. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through. You can then pour the heated sauce over the reheated chicken for added flavor and moisture.
For a tasty twist, shred the leftover apricot chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken pair well with fresh vegetables and your favorite toppings.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
The slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is a delicious and convenient dish that combines the sweetness of apricot preserves with the savory flavors of onion soup mix and French dressing. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of ingredients creates a unique and tasty sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken thighs. This dish is a great option for family dinners or gatherings, and it can be easily customized with additional herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful apricot chicken dish!
Is Making Apricot Chicken in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including chicken thighs, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix, are reasonably priced and can be used for multiple meals. The use of affordable pantry staples like ketchup and sugar also adds to its cost-effectiveness. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe can easily feed a family of four. The flavorful combination of sweet and savory makes it a hit with both kids and adults. I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe, while flavorful, has some aspects that make it less than ideal from a health perspective:
- The use of french dressing, which is high in sugar and oil, adds unnecessary calories and unhealthy fats to the dish
- Apricot preserves are also high in sugar, further increasing the calorie count and potentially leading to blood sugar spikes
- The onion soup mix contains beef bouillon granules, which are high in sodium and may contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as chicken thighs (a good source of protein) and thyme (an herb with potential anti-inflammatory properties).
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the french dressing with a homemade version using olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey, which will reduce the sugar and unhealthy fat content
- Use fresh apricots instead of apricot preserves to reduce the sugar content and increase the fiber intake
- Make your own onion soup mix using dried onion flakes, onion powder, parsley flakes, celery seed, paprika, and pepper, omitting the beef bouillon granules to reduce sodium
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a balanced meal that includes complex carbohydrates
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe
The slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The use of apricot preserves and French dressing adds a unique twist to the dish, creating a rich and flavorful sauce for the chicken. The addition of thyme provides a subtle earthy note, complementing the sweetness of the apricot. However, the use of dry onion soup mix may result in a slightly salty flavor, so it's important to adjust the seasoning accordingly. Overall, this recipe offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken with a hint of fruity sweetness.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe:
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken thighs with the rich flavors of apricot preserves and french dressing results in a delectable and satisfying meal. The use of high-quality ingredients such as thyme and a homemade onion soup mix ensures a depth of flavor that will tantalize the taste buds. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe to elevate your culinary experience.
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