This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite in Australian kitchens. Juicy chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich apricot glaze, resulting in a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ideal for meal prep, this recipe fits well into easy weeknight dinners and healthy chicken meals. It’s a great addition to your collection of crockpot chicken recipes and family dinner ideas.
Delicious Comfort Food Classics
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. This recipe features tender chicken thighs glazed in a rich apricot sauce, blending sweet and savory flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal fits seamlessly into the category of easy weeknight dinners. With minimal prep time, it allows for a stress-free cooking experience while delivering a satisfying and hearty meal. Ideal for meal prep, this dish can be made in advance, making it a great addition to your collection of healthy chicken meals and family dinner ideas.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few ingredients. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring they are ready to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
The apricot sauce is a simple mixture of apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination creates a rich glaze that enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness, making it a standout among chicken thigh recipes.
Cooking in the Slow Cooker
Once the chicken is seasoned and the sauce is mixed, place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the apricot sauce over them. This method ensures that the chicken is well-coated and will absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cooking on low for six hours allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, making it easy to shred or serve whole. This slow cooking technique is what makes this dish a favorite among crockpot chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
When the chicken is ready, serve it with the sauce spooned generously over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice and steamed broccoli, creating a colorful and inviting meal.
Not only does this combination look appealing on the plate, but it also offers a balanced meal that is both nutritious and satisfying. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch, making it a well-rounded option for any dinner table.
Nutritional Benefits
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is not just delicious; it also provides a good source of protein, making it a healthy choice for family dinners. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it fits well within a balanced diet.
The use of chicken thighs ensures that the dish remains juicy and flavorful, while the apricot preserves add a natural sweetness without overwhelming the palate. This makes it a great option for those looking to enjoy sweet and savory chicken without compromising on health.
Final Thoughts on Meal Prep
This recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts. Preparing a batch of Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken at the beginning of the week can provide quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly meal or a comforting dish to enjoy after a long day, Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken checks all the boxes.
Easy Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken features tender chicken thighs cooked in a sweet apricot sauce, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The recipe takes about 6 hours in the slow cooker and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the apricot sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. This dish pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g