Crockpot Apricot Chicken

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This Crockpot Apricot Chicken features tender juicy chicken, slow-cooked with apricot preserves, onion soup mix, and French dressing for a sweet and savory, hands-off meal.

Two pieces of crockpot apricot chicken on a bed of rice, accompanied by steamed broccoli.

We all need a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly, with just a few ingredients. This recipe for apricot chicken definitely ticks all the boxes!

Infused with sweetness from the apricots, savoriness from the onion soup mix, and a combination of both from the silky smooth French dressing, this chicken is absolutely delicious. You couldn’t ask for a better combination!

If you love this apricot chicken, you’ll also love this Baked Salsa Chicken, Chicken Kiev, Oregano Chicken or this Sous Vide Whole Chicken.

Why You Will Love This Crockpot Apricot Chicken Recipe

Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and simple steps, this easy apricot chicken recipe is the perfect dinner for busy nights.
Flavorful Sauce: The combination of French dressing with apricot preserves and onion soup mix creates a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Tender Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce as the chicken cooks.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this easy apricot chicken recipe is sure to impress with its irresistible aroma and delightful taste.

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I love this dish with chicken thighs because of their juicy texture and rich flavor. They hold up really well to slow cooking and remain tender and moist. You can also use breasts but they cook a bit more quickly than the thighs and can dry out more easily.
French Dressing: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet base for the sauce.
Apricot Preserves: Add natural sweetness and fruity flavor to the sauce, complementing the savory elements of this dish. Feel free to substitute with apricot sauce or apricot jam instead.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce with its blend of onion, garlic, and herb flavors.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact quantities of each ingredient.

Variations

Swap the dressing: Try Catalina dressing or Russian dressing for a slightly different savory, yet sweet flavor.
Change the onion soup mix: Season the chicken with a combination of your favorite dried spices like garlic, onion powder, thyme, and oregano, or whatever you have on hand.
Add some heat: Mix red chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce to add a little kick of heat.
Substitute the apricot preserves: Use a different fruit preserve like orange marmalade or peach jam, or try a mango chutney instead.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Sauce for crockpot apricot chicken after being mixed together in a glass bowl.

Step 1: Make the sauce. Add the dressing, apricot preserves, and dry onion soup mix to a bowl and stir until well combined.

Raw chicken thighs added to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add chicken to the slow cooker. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Apricot sauce added to the crockpot over top of the chicken thighs before cooking.

Step 3: Add the sauce. Pour the apricot mixture over the chicken thighs.

Apricot chicken thighs in a crockpot after cooking.

Step 4: Cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

If you like this slow cooker chicken recipe you might enjoy these Balsamic Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs , Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy, Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken, Crockpot BBQ Chicken Thighs, Crockpot French Onion Chicken or our Chicken Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup recipe!

Apricot chicken thighs in a slow cooker after cooking.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible and then freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated its through. Feel free to add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce if needed.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook according to the instructions.

Two crockpot apricot chicken thighs on a bed of rice with a side of broccoli.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot apricot chicken is perfect for serving a crowd, taking to potluck, or as an easy weeknight dinner. It goes with a wide variety of side dishes and so you can enjoy it a bit differently each time it's served.

Serve it with this Hot Girl Summer Salad or this Mixed Green Salad With Fruit as a starter along with this Easy Coconut Ginger Rice or this Broccoli Rice on the side.
If you prefer potatoes, make the chicken for dinner and serve with these Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes or these Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes.

Recipe Tips

Trim Excess Fat: Before placing the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, trim any excess fat to prevent your crockpot apricot chicken dish from becoming too greasy.
Use Low-Sodium Soup Mix: If you're concerned about sodium intake, we recommend opting for low-sodium or sodium-free dry onion soup mix to control the saltiness in this dish. Be sure to season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste.
Double the Recipe: This makes it perfect to serve a larger crowd or for meal prep purposes. Simply adjust the ingredients accordingly and also be sure to use a large enough slow cooker.

Recipe FAQs

Can I cook this recipe on the stove or in the oven instead of using a slow cooker?

Yes, you can modify this recipe for your stovetop or oven. For stovetop cooking, simply brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until the chicken skin is golden brown, then add the sauce ingredients, and simmer on low heat. For an oven-baked version, cook the chicken with the sauce in a covered casserole dish or baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken is cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should register at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.

A serving spoon lifting a piece of apricot chicken out of the crockpot.

Video

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