Crock Pot Apricot Chicken is a tasty dish that’s super easy to make! Juicy chicken is mixed with sweet apricot preserves, creating a mouthwatering sauce.
This dish is perfect for busy days since it cooks slowly while you relax. I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for something leaner, skinless thighs or chicken breasts will work, but they may be less juicy.
Abricot Preserves: This is the star of the dish! If you’re out of apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade can be a great substitute for a similar flavor profile.
Soy Sauce: It adds a savory note. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. If you need to cut back on sodium, low-sodium soy sauce is a good choice.
Dijon Mustard: It gives a subtle tang. Yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for taste. If you don’t have it, garlic powder can be a quick substitute; use 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender?
The key to tender chicken in a crock pot is cooking it low and slow. This allows the flavors to blend while keeping the chicken moist.
- Start by browning the chicken in a skillet. This step adds depth to the flavor and helps render some fat.
- Layer the chicken in the crock pot without overcrowding it. This helps it cook evenly.
- Keep the lid on while cooking! Opening the lid releases the steam, which can dry out the chicken.
- If you’re using BBQ sauce or another type of sauce, make sure it covers the chicken well, preventing direct heat exposure.
Trust the cooking time—don’t rush it! Your patience will lead to wonderfully tender results. Enjoy the journey! 🍽️
How to Make Crock Pot Apricot Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges or apricot halves, drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Apricot Chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then you can set it to cook for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. After cooking, it’s nice to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. So, a total time of about 5 to 6 hours including cooking and serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. This is where you build the flavor right from the start!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook until they are golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the thighs to the other side and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Once they are browned, remove them from the heat.
3. Make the Apricot Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. If you like a little spice, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes too. Whisk it all together until it’s well combined!
4. Layer in the Crock Pot:
Place the browned chicken thighs in a single layer in the crock pot. Pour the apricot sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Then, add the drained mandarin oranges or apricot halves right on top of the chicken for that extra sweetness.
5. Cook it Up:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is juicy and pulls apart easily with a fork.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is ready, carefully remove it from the crock pot and keep it warm. If you’d like to thicken the sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Plate and Garnish:
Serve the apricot chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice, spooning that delicious sauce and fruit over the top. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on for a lovely touch.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender, and slightly sweet Crock Pot Apricot Chicken! It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table! 😊🍗
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure to adjust the cooking time if using thawed chicken.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you want to add some heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or stir in some hot sauce. Alternatively, you can add sliced jalapeños for a fresh and spicy twist!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apricots?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of apricots, try using peach or mango preserves for a different flavor profile. Canned peaches or pineapple chunks can also be delicious substitutes that will give a lovely sweetness to the dish.