Looking for a simple yet delicious meal that practically cooks itself? This slow cooker apricot chicken is your answer. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a savory-sweet delight that fills your home with mouth-watering aromas. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish will become a family favorite in no time.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced ginger. Mix well and set the sauce aside.
- Heat olive oil over high heat in a large pan. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them, skin side down, for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
- Add sliced onions to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Transfer the seared chicken and onions to the slow cooker.
- Pour the apricot sauce over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Once cooked, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for garnish. Serve the apricot chicken with your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (alternatively, boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2574kcal | Carbohydrates: 156g | Protein: 144g | Fat: 156g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 30g | Monounsaturated Fat: 66g | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 852mg | Sodium: 2946mg | Potassium: 2058mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 102g | Vitamin A: 1170IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 132mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts. However, thighs are generally preferred as they offer more flavor and are less prone to drying out during the cooking process.
- Is it necessary to brown the chicken and onions before adding them to the slow cooker?
- While you can skip this step if you’re short on time, browning the chicken and onions enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making it worth the extra effort.
- What can I use if I don’t have fresh ginger on hand?
- If fresh ginger is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1/4 teaspoon of dried ginger. However, fresh ginger is recommended for the best flavor.
- Can I use a different type of jam if I don’t have apricot preserves?
- Absolutely! You can replace apricot jam with peach or even pineapple jam to give the dish a unique twist while maintaining its delicious taste.
- Is it possible to freeze apricot chicken for later use?
- Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in a resealable bag or airtight container for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until it’s heated through.
Tips
- Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they are more flavorful and less likely to dry out during slow cooking. However, if you prefer chicken breasts, they can also be used.
- While fresh ginger is ideal for this recipe, in a pinch, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of dried ginger to maintain the flavor profile.
- Browning the chicken and onions before adding them to the slow cooker can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor, so consider taking the extra time for this step.
- To add variety, try using peach or pineapple jam instead of apricot, or swap the chicken thighs for bone-in pork chops for a different protein option.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) – Essential for cooking the apricot chicken slowly to achieve tender results.
- Large Pan/Skillet – For searing the chicken and cooking the onions before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and ginger.
