This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, combining juicy, fall-apart tender chicken thighs with a glaze made from apricot preserves and savory onion soup mix. The result is an irresistible sticky-sweet sauce that clings to each piece of meat, making every bite deeply satisfying. Minimal prep makes this dish ideal for busy days, you just combine everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
The flavor combination of apricot, soy sauce, and optional Dijon mustard offers depth without being overly rich, and the onion soup mix brings in a comforting, homey taste. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a light couscous for a full and well-rounded meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this apricot-glazed chicken is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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1 cup apricot preserves
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for tanginess)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Season chicken thighs lightly with salt and pepper.
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Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
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In a bowl, mix apricot preserves, onion soup mix, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard (if using) until well combined.
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Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Once done, spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours (LOW) | Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4–6 servings
A Cozy, Sweet-Savory Classic: Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Few recipes strike the balance between comfort, flavor, and convenience as beautifully as Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken. It’s a dish that embraces the simplicity of weeknight meals while packing in layers of flavor that feel anything but basic. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or looking for your next go-to family dinner, this recipe has all the qualities that make it a true crowd-pleaser.
This comforting chicken recipe dates back decades and is often considered a vintage classic. It was a popular potluck and church supper dish in the 1960s and 70s, when home cooks loved experimenting with pantry staples like dry soup mix and jam to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, it’s making a strong comeback as a nostalgic favorite and for good reason. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no effort, you get a rich, flavorful, and saucy chicken dish that can be served over rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes.
In this modern version of the recipe, the chicken is gently cooked over several hours, absorbing all the sweet and savory notes from the sauce. The combination of apricot preserves, onion soup mix, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard is surprisingly complex in flavor despite the simple ingredient list. As the chicken slowly cooks, the apricot glaze thickens and caramelizes, resulting in a sticky, glossy coating that elevates the humble chicken thigh into something quite special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. It’s Low Effort, High Reward:
The true magic of this dish lies in the “set it and forget it” ease. After prepping the chicken and mixing the sauce which takes less than 10 minutes, you just let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. There’s no sautéing, no searing, and no need to babysit the pot. It’s a perfect meal for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or whenever you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Family-Friendly Flavors:
Apricot preserves add just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the savory components, making this dish kid-approved and adult-loved. It’s mild yet flavorful, making it a great option for picky eaters or those who aren’t fans of overly spicy or complicated meals.
3. Pantry Staple Friendly:
No need for a grocery store run, this recipe uses ingredients most people already have at home. That includes pantry staples like jam, dry soup mix, and soy sauce, which makes it a smart choice for end-of-the-week meal planning or budget-conscious dinners.
4. Versatile Pairings:
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that luscious glaze, or go with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables for a more wholesome option. The sauce is so delicious you’ll want to drizzle it over everything on your plate.
5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers:
The chicken reheats wonderfully, so it’s ideal for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can even shred the chicken and use it in wraps, sandwiches, or rice bowls later in the week.
Ingredient Highlights
Each component of this dish plays an important role in creating that perfect flavor balance:
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Chicken Thighs: These are ideal for slow cooking. They stay juicy, tender, and flavorful after hours of cooking. You can also use bone-in thighs or even drumsticks for variation.
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Apricot Preserves: The star of the show! The natural sweetness of apricot jam pairs surprisingly well with savory ingredients. It also gives the sauce a gorgeous amber hue.
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Onion Soup Mix: A time-saving flavor bomb, this adds depth, umami, and that signature cozy taste.
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Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and richness that balances the sweetness of the preserves.
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Dijon Mustard (Optional): Adds a tangy layer that enhances complexity and keeps the dish from feeling too sweet.
Tips for Best Results
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Don’t overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, overcooking chicken can still make it fall apart more than you may want. Aim for 6 hours on low or 3–4 on high. The chicken should be tender but still hold its shape.
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Add some heat: If you prefer a little spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha can be stirred into the sauce before cooking.
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Thicken the sauce: Want a thicker glaze? After the chicken is done, remove it and simmer the sauce in a pan on the stovetop until it reduces and thickens.
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Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free onion soup mix and double-check your soy sauce (or use tamari) to keep this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to how you serve it. Here are a few ideas:
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Over Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that soaks up all the sauce.
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With Couscous or Quinoa: A lighter, more nutritious base.
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On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes: Ultimate comfort food vibes.
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With Roasted Vegetables: Add more color and crunch to the plate.
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As a Sandwich Filling: Shred the chicken and serve on a toasted bun with slaw for a sweet-savory twist.
Variations and Substitutions
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Use Chicken Breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure not to overcook them, check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high.
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Swap the Preserves: Peach, mango, or orange marmalade can be used in place of apricot for different flavor profiles.
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Add Veggies: Throw in sliced onions, bell peppers, or even carrots during the last hour of cooking to make it more of a one-pot meal.
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Make It Tangier: Increase the Dijon mustard or add a splash of apple cider vinegar for more brightness.
A Nod to the Past, A Win for the Present
There’s something truly nostalgic about the flavors in this slow cooker apricot chicken. It feels like a dish your grandma might have made, comforting, a little sweet, and incredibly satisfying. Yet, it still fits effortlessly into today’s busy lifestyles thanks to the ease of slow cooking and the use of pantry-friendly ingredients.
In a world of complicated recipes and trendy ingredients, it’s refreshing to have a dinner option that’s straightforward yet deeply flavorful. This dish reminds us that great meals don’t need to be fussy. Sometimes, all it takes is a few smart shortcuts and a slow cooker to create something truly magical.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a nostalgic yet modern classic that belongs in every home cook’s recipe box. It’s quick to prepare, easy to love, and perfect for feeding both a crowd and a quiet family dinner. The combination of sweet apricot preserves, savory onion soup mix, and tender chicken makes this dish unforgettable.
Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or trying it for the first time, this recipe delivers the kind of comfort and joy that keeps people coming back for seconds. Pair it with your favorite side dish and let your slow cooker do the rest. It’s time to rediscover how effortlessly delicious dinner can be.