Slow cooker apricot combines the sweet apricots and the rich savoury flavour of chicken to create a delicious, warm dish. This comfort food has been a family favorite for generations. It is known for being simple, versatile, and for cooking itself. The aroma it emits fills the home with deliciousness. Slow cookers make it easy to prepare and produce juicy chicken that falls apart, smothered with a sweet and sticky sauce.
Apricot Chicken: A Popular Choice
Apricot-chicken may seem unusual to some, especially those who are unfamiliar with pairings of fruit and meat, but this combination works well. Natural sweetness of apricots pairs beautifully with the savoury taste of chicken. This is especially true when combined with other ingredients such as garlic, onions, and soy sauce. Slow cooking allows the flavours to infuse slowly, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and filling.
The dish is great for weeknights that are busy, weekends with little activity, or meals prepared in advance. You can leave everything in the slow cooker and then forget about it until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients you’ll need
You can make apricot slow cooker chicken using pantry staples, and some fresh ingredients. Traditional versions usually include:
- Chicken: Both breasts and thighs are good. Slow cooking tends to make the thighs more tender and flavourful, while breasts can be leaner but still tasty if properly cooked.
- Apricot jam or preserves is the star ingredient, which gives the dish its sweetness and sticky consistency. For added texture and flavor, you can use dried or canned apricots.
- French Onion Soup Mix or Onion Soup Packet: The savoury flavour of the onion soup will balance the sweetness from the apricots.
- Worcestershire or Soy Sauce: Optional but adds umami to the sauce.
- Garlic & onion: Add fresh garlic and onions for extra flavor and aroma.
- Spices: Add a little ginger, paprika or chilli to spice up the dish.
Prepare the Dish
Easy preparation is the beauty of this slow cooker apricot chiken. Combine and cook. No complicated steps.
- Prepare chicken: Trim the excess fat off the chicken. If you want a richer flavor, you can sear the meat in a pan on high heat before adding it to your slow cooker. This step is optional.
- Combine the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the apricot preserves or jam with the onion soup mix. Add the garlic, the soy sauce and any other seasonings. Stir until a smooth and sticky sauce forms.
- Assembly in the Slow Cooker: Place chicken on the bottom of the cooker. Pour the apricot-sauce over top and make sure that all pieces are covered. Place the apricot halves on top of chicken if you are using canned apricots.
- Cook: Cover and cook at low heat for 6-7 or high heat for 3-4. The chicken should be soft and easily shred with a fork. The sauce should have slightly thickened and become glossy.
- Finishing Touches: If you prefer a thicker sauce you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to water and stir into the sauce 30 minutes prior to serving. Allow it to cook until the sauce is thickened.
Serving Suggestions
Apricot-glazed chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Most commonly, steamed jasmine or white rice is served with the chicken. This rice absorbs all of the sauce. Serve it with brown or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
The sticky sauce can also be served with mashed potatoes or couscous. Add a side dish of broccoli, green beans or crisp salad to complete the meal. To make it extra special, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or spring onion over the top of the dish before serving.
Try these Variations
This dish is very easy to customize. Add different ingredients to alter the taste profile, or simply use what’s on hand. You can try:
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, green beans or capsicums (bell peppers) at the beginning for a quick one-pot meal.
- Spice it up: To make a spicy sauce, add chilli flakes and sriracha.
- Try different meats: This recipe is also great with drumsticks or pork chops.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free soup blend or create your own savoury onions blend to meet dietary requirements.
Storing and Reheating
The slow cooker apricot hen is perfect for leftovers. Store it in a container with a tight seal in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. You can freeze leftovers up to 3 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Everyone loves this easy and delicious slow cooker apricot meal. It’s a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that is sweet, savoury and tender. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners or special occasions. This is proof that you can make a tasty, memorable meal using pantry staples, and little time. It’s very likely that once you try it, this will become a regular part of your dinner menu.