Savory Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This savory slow cooker apricot chicken is a perfect effortless meal with tender, flavorful chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy sauce. It combines the ease of slow cooking with a deliciously caramelized finish under the broiler.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup French dressing
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 sheet baking sheet (lined for easy cleanup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt and black pepper. Place them skin side down in a cast iron skillet and brown for 3-5 minutes until golden.
2. Step 2: Transfer the browned chicken thighs to your slow cooker, arranging them skin side up.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, French dressing, apricot preserves, and fresh thyme to create the glaze. Pour half of this sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Preheat your broiler. Place the cooked chicken on the lined baking sheet and brush with the remaining glaze. Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, pat the chicken dry before browning and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Substitute fresh rosemary or sage for thyme to change the herby profile.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce apricot preserves to ¾ cup.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the glaze’s texture. Avoid reheating under the broiler as it may dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used but they may cook faster and could dry out. Adjust cooking time accordingly and consider using the low setting.

Is there a substitute for French dressing?

You can use Italian dressing or make your own by combining equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a touch of sugar and oil for a similar tangy flavor.

Savory Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

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This Savory Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a flavorful glaze made from apricot preserves, French dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender, while a quick broil at the end caramelizes the glaze for a delightful finish. Perfect for an effortless and delicious meal.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Glaze

• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup French dressing
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

Other

• 1 sheet baking sheet (lined for easy cleanup)

Instructions

1. Season and Brown Chicken: Season the chicken thighs evenly with kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken thighs skin side down. Brown them for about 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the browned chicken thighs to the slow cooker, placing each piece skin side up to retain the crispiness and allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, French dressing, apricot preserves, and chopped fresh thyme until smooth. This mixture will serve as a sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
4. Add Glaze to Chicken: Pour half of the prepared glaze over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is coated to impart maximum flavor during cooking.
5. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and infused with the apricot and herb flavors.
6. Broil for Finish: Once cooked, preheat the broiler. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker onto a lined baking sheet. Brush the reserved half of the glaze over the chicken. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized, adding a delicious finishing touch.

Notes

• For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to retain moisture and develop crispy skin.
• Be vigilant when broiling as the glaze can burn quickly; keep the oven door slightly open if possible.
• This recipe works well with chicken breasts but may require shorter cooking times to avoid drying out.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serving suggestion: pair with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Keywords: Slow cooker apricot chicken, easy chicken recipe, apricot glaze chicken thighs, slow cooked chicken, savory apricot chicken, effortless meal, lunch, dinner