Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Need an easy sweet-and-savory dinner that practically cooks itself? This crock pot apricot chicken is a simple family favorite made with chicken breasts, apricot preserves, French dressing, and onion soup mix. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm, comforting meal with very little prep.

This easy slow cooker apricot chicken is tender, saucy, and full of flavor. Boneless chicken breasts simmer in a glossy sauce made from apricot jelly, jam, or preserves, French dressing, and dry onion soup mix. The result is a comforting chicken dinner with a delicious balance of sweetness, tang, and savory seasoning.

Because everything cooks together in the crock pot, this recipe is ideal for days when you do not have time to stand over the stove. Add the ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and come back to a flavorful main dish that is ready to serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot apricot chicken is the kind of reliable dinner recipe you will want to keep in your weekly rotation.

• Effortless: The slow cooker does most of the work. Place the chicken in the crock pot, pour the sauce over the top, and let it cook.

• Family-friendly: The sweet apricot sauce and savory onion soup mix create a flavor combination that both kids and adults can enjoy.

• Great for busy nights: With only a few pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect when you need dinner without extra stress.

• Easy to serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice, pasta, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.

• Simple to customize: Use apricot jelly, jam, or preserves, and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.

Whether you are a beginner cook, a busy parent, or simply looking for a dependable slow cooker chicken recipe, this apricot chicken is a practical and flavorful choice.

Ingredients

To make this easy slow cooker apricot chicken, you only need a short list of simple ingredients:

• 4 fresh or frozen boneless chicken breasts

• 1 cup French dressing

• 1 cup apricot jelly, jam, or preserves

• 1 package dry onion soup mix

• Salt and pepper, to taste

The apricot preserves add fruity sweetness, the French dressing brings tang and richness, and the onion soup mix gives the sauce its savory depth. Together, they create a thick, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken beautifully as it cooks.

How to Make Crock Pot Apricot Chicken

This recipe is as simple as mix, pour, and cook. There is no browning required, and the prep takes only a few minutes.

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bowl of the crock pot.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the French dressing, apricot jelly, and dry onion soup mix.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and toss or turn the chicken to coat it well.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours.

6. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, spooning plenty of sauce over each serving.

For the best flavor, stir the sauce gently before serving so the apricot preserves, dressing, and onion seasoning are evenly combined. The sauce is one of the best parts of this dish, especially when served over rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for 4 hours, then switch to low for 2 hours so the chicken becomes fully cooked and tender.

Can I substitute apricot preserves?

Yes. Apricot jam, jelly, or preserves all work well in this recipe. You can also use peach or pineapple preserves if you want a different fruity flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Many French dressings and apricot preserves are naturally gluten-free, but the onion soup mix can vary by brand. Always check the labels on your ingredients if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.

What can I serve with crock pot apricot chicken?

Rice is a classic choice because it soaks up the sweet and savory sauce. You can also serve the chicken with noodles, mashed potatoes, quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftover slow cooker apricot chicken stores well, making it a helpful option for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce thickens after chilling, stir it well before serving. Leftovers are especially good served again over rice or noodles.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

Love this crock pot apricot chicken? Try these easy, family-friendly chicken dinners next:

• CrockPot Italian Shredded Chicken
• Baked Chicken Spaghetti
• Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Poppyseed Chicken Casserole

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Photos by Lindsay Evers Photography

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