Crockpot Apricot Chicken

Crockpot Apricot Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet apricot preserves with savory soy sauce and aromatic ginger. This slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weekdays or special gatherings, as it allows you to enjoy rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of sweetness and umami makes this dish a standout choice for any occasion, ensuring that your family and friends will savor every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just mix the ingredients, place them in the crockpot, and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks.
• Flavorful Combination: The sweet and savory blend of apricot and soy sauce creates an irresistible glaze that perfectly complements chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that suits various tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: With 12 servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or potlucks where everyone can enjoy this delicious recipe.
• Easy Clean-Up: Using a slow cooker means less mess in the kitchen, making clean-up quick and simple.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Crockpot Apricot Chicken efficiently, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools help streamline the cooking process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance cooks your chicken evenly over several hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors in your dish.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic and slicing onion effortless.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for prep work, keeping your kitchen organized.

Ingredients

Crockpot Apricot Chicken has the flavors of sweet apricot preserves, rich soy sauce, and aromatic ginger all in one simple slow cooker dish.

For the Sauce

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced or grated)
• ¼ – ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Chicken

• 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs (with skin)
• Salt and pepper (to season the chicken)

For Cooking

• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 white onion (thinly sliced)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crockpot Apricot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all ingredients. Measure out apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, canola oil, onion, and parsley.

Step 2: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a bowl, combine:
1. Apricot preserves
2. Soy sauce
3. Dijon mustard
4. Minced garlic
5. Grated ginger
6. Red pepper flakes

Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Heat canola oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear each piece for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add seared chicken thighs on top. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken.

Step 5: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Once cooked, serve hot over rice or with vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for an added touch of flavor!

Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Apricot Chicken!

How to Serve Crockpot Apricot Chicken

Crockpot Apricot Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Pairing it with the right sides or garnishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful recipe.

Serve it Over Rice

• White Rice: A classic choice, white rice absorbs the sweet sauce beautifully.
• Brown Rice: For a healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
• Coconut Rice: Infuse your rice with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

Use as a Filling for Wraps

• Tortilla Wraps: Shred the chicken and wrap it in tortillas with fresh veggies for a quick meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be great for mopping up any extra sauce on your plate.

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and color.
• Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Crockpot Apricot Chicken

To achieve an irresistible Crockpot Apricot Chicken, consider these helpful tips. They’ll guide you toward perfecting this dish every time you prepare it.

• Bold flavors: Use high-quality apricot preserves for more intense sweetness.
• Proper seasoning: Season the chicken well before cooking to enhance its overall flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference; use less for milder heat.
• Cook low and slow: Allow ample cooking time at low heat to ensure tender, flavorful chicken.
• Thicken the sauce: If desired, thicken the sauce by removing the lid during the last hour of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Apricot Chicken

Crockpot Apricot Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Brightens up your plate and adds nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that soaks up the sauce well.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds texture and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and earthy flavors to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can provide a cool contrast to the warm, sweet chicken.
6. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up excess sauce while adding delicious garlic flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot Apricot Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Bold phrase: Overcooking the Chicken – Cooking chicken thighs for too long can lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cook time in the recipe for juicy results.

• Bold phrase: Skipping the Seasoning – Failing to season your chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to use salt and pepper generously before cooking.

• Bold phrase: Incorrect Ingredient Measurements – Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the flavor profile. Always measure carefully, especially with strong flavors like soy sauce.

• Bold phrase: Not Slicing the Onion Thinly – Thick onion slices may not soften properly during cooking. Ensure your onion is thinly sliced for even cooking and better flavor distribution.

• Bold phrase: Ignoring Red Pepper Flakes – Skipping this ingredient can reduce the depth of flavor in your dish. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference for a balanced taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It’s best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and storing.

Freezing Crockpot Apricot Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Crockpot Apricot Chicken

• Bold phrase: Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

• Bold phrase: Microwave – Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

• Bold phrase: Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Apricot Chicken?

Crockpot Apricot Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken thighs cooked in a sweet and savory apricot sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in varieties.

How spicy is Crockpot Apricot Chicken?

The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Start with less if you’re unsure and adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or substitute apricot preserves with another fruit preserve you enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Apricot Chicken is an easy and delicious meal that brings together sweet and savory flavors effortlessly. Its versatility allows for various ingredient swaps or additions based on what you have on hand. Give this recipe a try for a comforting dinner that will impress family and friends!