An old classic, this Apricot Chicken is uncomplicated and reliable. Make a large batch of the marinade and freeze portions of chicken in the sauce to save time and money on busy nights.
Few dishes say “budget-friendly weeknight dinner” like chicken drumsticks, and this simple apricot chicken recipe does exactly that. It leans on a nostalgic combination — sweet apricot nectar and a packet of French onion soup mix — to create a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken as it bakes.
If you want a fuss-free meal with wide appeal, this recipe is a keeper. It’s especially useful for parents or anyone juggling time and a limited grocery budget: minimal prep, affordable ingredients, and reliable results. While a version using fresh onions and dried apricots would be more elaborate, this “cheat” method delivers satisfying flavour with far less effort.
Watch the Video
Watch the short video to see how easily this apricot chicken comes together and how it pairs with a simple rice and vegetable side.
What to Serve With Apricot Chicken
This apricot chicken works well with plain steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a one-pot rice-and-vegetable mix for minimal washing up. Steamed greens or a crisp green salad add colour and freshness to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
For the one-pot rice and vegetables: cook rice in plenty of boiling water (not the absorption method), then add chopped vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and zucchini, plus peas or corn, halfway through cooking. Drain everything together and spoon the apricot sauce over the rice when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
If you don’t have drumsticks, bone-in chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Either skin-on or skin-off will work; skin-on will yield a slightly richer finish. If you’d prefer real apricots, substitute a tin of apricot halves in juice and stir in a spoonful of apricot jam to boost sweetness and depth.
No French onion soup mix? Make a simple substitute with dried onion flakes and beef or vegetable stock powder. This keeps the savoury base while letting you control salt and seasoning.
How to Cook Apricot Chicken Drumsticks in the Slow Cooker
To adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, you can brown the drumsticks briefly in a hot pan with a little oil for added colour and flavour, but this step is optional. Place the pieces in the slow cooker, sprinkle over the French onion soup mix and pour in the apricot nectar. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
For a thicker sauce, remove the finished chicken, set the slow cooker to high and stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with a little cold water. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in 1–2 tablespoons sour cream if you like a creamier finish. Return the chicken to the sauce and serve.
Cheat’s Apricot Chicken Recipe
An easy version of apricot chicken using apricot nectar and French onion soup mix. Minimal prep and a great family-friendly main.
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 400 g tin of apricot nectar (about 375 ml)
- 1 sachet of French onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Place chicken in a single layer in an oven dish.
- Whisk together the apricot nectar and French onion soup mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, turning the pieces to coat if needed. Bake for about one hour or until the chicken is cooked through, turning the pieces once halfway through to coat in the sauce.
- Remove the chicken from the dish and, if desired, stir 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the remaining sauce for a slightly creamier finish. Return chicken to the sauce briefly to warm through.
- Serve with rice or mashed potato and steamed vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the plate.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 522 • Total Fat: 24g • Protein: 50g • Carbohydrates: 25g • Sugar: 15g
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on brands and portion sizes.
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