There’s something special about the scent of a slow cooker bubbling away on a busy day. This slow cooker apricot chicken is one of those recipes that takes me back to my childhood kitchen. My mom used to make it on Sundays—just a few simple ingredients, but the flavors? Unforgettable. The sweetness of apricot jam, the tang of French dressing, the savory hit from the onion soup mix—all cooked into juicy chicken thighs that fell right off the bone.
Now, I make it for my own family. It’s one of those meals that’s as easy as it is satisfying. You toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, it’s magic. This recipe doesn’t just bring dinner to the table—it brings back memories. And it’s the kind of dish that makes new ones too. Whether it’s a weeknight comfort meal or something you serve to guests with a side of rice or roasted vegetables, slow cooker apricot chicken never disappoints.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
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What Makes Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken So Good?
Effortless prep, powerful flavor. That’s the magic. With only a handful of pantry staples—apricot preserves, dry onion soup mix, French dressing, and a few seasonings—this dish delivers bold flavor with barely any work. You can brown the chicken thighs first for an extra savory layer or skip straight to the slow cooker for ultimate ease.
The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, turning those ingredients into a sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly herbaceous thanks to the fresh thyme. The chicken turns tender and juicy—perfect for serving over fluffy rice or mashed potatoes.
Try pairing it with this refreshing cucumber tomato salad or the creamy loaded red potato salad for a balanced meal that’s equal parts comfort and freshness.
A Family-Friendly Meal with Flexible Ingredients
Another reason this dish shines? Flexibility. You can use boneless thighs or even breasts if that’s what you’ve got. No French dressing? Catalina works too. Want more heat? Add a dash of red pepper flakes. The base recipe is a reliable weeknight staple, but there’s so much room to make it your own.
For those who enjoy fruit-forward dishes, you might also love this hot honey feta chicken or go even sweeter with our glazed apricot chicken.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Like a Pro
Making this slow cooker apricot chicken is as simple as it gets, but a few small steps make a huge difference in flavor. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with kosher salt and coarse black pepper. Browning them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side adds depth and seals in those natural juices—especially if you’re using skin-on thighs. It’s not required, but it’s worth the extra 5 minutes.
Once browned, arrange the chicken skin-side up in your slow cooker. Then whisk together the magic mix: apricot preserves, dry onion soup mix, and French dressing. Add chopped thyme for a fresh twist—it balances the sweetness perfectly. Pour half of this vibrant sauce over the chicken and save the rest in the fridge for later.
Cooking low and slow for 8 hours (or on high for 4) transforms the ingredients into a rich, sticky glaze. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
Broiling for That Sweet, Sticky Finish
Here’s a simple tip that takes this dish to restaurant-worthy: broil the chicken after slow cooking. Once it’s cooked, transfer the thighs to a baking sheet and spoon on the remaining sauce. Pop them under the broiler for just 1–2 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes. The skin turns golden and crisp while the sauce becomes thick and shiny—absolutely mouthwatering.
You can serve this dish as-is, or dress it up with quick sides like creamy smothered chicken and rice or a vibrant Mediterranean chicken pasta salad if you’re feeding a crowd.
Delicious Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Once your slow cooker apricot chicken is glazed and golden, it’s ready to shine on the dinner table. This dish pairs beautifully with simple starches that soak up all that sticky-sweet sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even a hearty scoop of couscous. It also works great over egg noodles or orzo if you’re craving comfort.
On the veggie side, balance the sweetness with something savory or fresh. Roasted carrots, steamed green beans, or sautéed kale bring out the flavors of the apricot glaze. Or go for something lighter like this blackberry basil grilled chicken salad—just swap the protein for this sweet-savory chicken and you’ve got a sensational salad.
Hosting guests? Add a side of garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos to the table for variety. They complement each other perfectly, especially when serving buffet-style or during casual family dinners.
Easy Recipe Variations + Smart Storage Tips
What’s great about slow cooker apricot chicken is how easy it is to customize. Swap apricot preserves with peach or pineapple jam for a tropical twist. Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or soy sauce to the mix for deeper umami. Want heat? Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Don’t have thighs? Boneless breasts or drumsticks will work too—just adjust cook time accordingly.
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a bit of extra sauce. You can also shred the chicken and serve it in wraps, sandwiches, or even on top of a baked sweet potato.
Make-Ahead, Meal Prep & Serving a Crowd
One of the best things about slow cooker apricot chicken is how well it fits into a busy schedule. You can prep it the night before—season the chicken, mix the sauce, and store everything in the fridge. In the morning, just place it all in the slow cooker and press start. It’s hands-off, low-stress, and totally reliable.
This recipe is also a meal-prepper’s dream. It keeps well, reheats beautifully, and the flavor deepens overnight. Make a double batch and portion it into containers with rice or roasted veggies. You’ll have ready-to-go lunches or quick dinners that beat any takeout.
If you’re feeding a crowd, this dish scales effortlessly. A 6-quart slow cooker can handle up to 10 thighs. Serve it alongside something like cheesy chicken broccoli orzo or a big bowl of ultimate potato salad for an impressive but easy meal.
Why This Dish Always Delivers
Slow cooker apricot chicken is the kind of recipe you come back to again and again. It’s simple, forgiving, and always satisfying. The combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors is universally loved—even picky eaters enjoy it. And because it uses everyday ingredients, it’s a recipe you can whip up on a whim without extra shopping trips.
Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this one’s a must-try. Pair it with fresh sides, spice it up your way, or turn it into a sandwich filling—it always works.
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 8 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A sweet and savory slow cooker chicken recipe made with apricot preserves, onion soup mix, and French dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
5 chicken thighs, bone in and skin on
1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 cup French dressing
1 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown skin side down in a hot skillet, 3–5 minutes per side.
2. Transfer to slow cooker, skin side up.
3. Whisk preserves, soup mix, dressing, and thyme in a bowl.
4. Pour half of sauce over chicken, refrigerate the rest.
5. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
6. Remove chicken to baking sheet and top with remaining sauce.
7. Broil 1–2 minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
8. Serve hot with your choice of sides.
Notes
Optional: skip browning step for quicker prep.
Try peach or pineapple preserves for a twist.
Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 279
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 963mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
FAQs About Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
1. Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Boneless breasts or even drumsticks work well. Just check for doneness earlier, especially with white meat.
2. Is it okay to skip browning the chicken?
Absolutely. Browning adds flavor, but it’s not essential. If you’re short on time, just season and slow cook.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for make-ahead. You can prep the ingredients the night before or cook and store for up to 4 days.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist. Avoid drying it out by covering.
Conclusion: Sweet, Simple, and Totally Satisfying
Slow cooker apricot chicken is a timeless classic with a modern twist. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special. Whether you’re prepping for the week, feeding family, or serving guests, this recipe checks all the boxes: delicious, easy, and unforgettable.
