Apricot Chicken Recipe
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with tender chicken breasts, apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, and onion soup mix. The sweet and tangy sauce slowly thickens in the crockpot, coating every piece of chicken in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Perfect for busy weeknights, summer picnics, Sunday dinners, or potluck meals, this crockpot apricot chicken requires very little prep. Simply mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and let the slow cooker do the work. Serve it with rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up every drop of the delicious apricot sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
- Easy 4-ingredient dinner: A simple crockpot chicken recipe made with pantry staples.
- Sweet and savory flavor: Apricot preserves and Catalina dressing create a rich, tangy glaze.
- Perfect for busy days: Minimal prep and hands-off slow cooking make dinner easier.
- Family-friendly meal: Mild, comforting flavors that work well for both kids and adults.
- Versatile serving options: Delicious with rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, or salad.
- Great for meal prep: Leftover apricot chicken can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated for easy lunches.
Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 cup Catalina dressing
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray, if desired. Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, combine the apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the apricot sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Spoon the sweet apricot glaze over the chicken before serving. Serve whole, sliced, or lightly shredded over rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This easy crockpot apricot chicken is especially delicious with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or roasted baby potatoes. Add green beans, steamed broccoli, sweet corn, or a crisp garden salad for a complete family dinner.
Tips and Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for an even juicier slow cooker chicken dinner. If you prefer a less sweet apricot sauce, reduce the apricot preserves slightly and add a small splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
For extra color and freshness, garnish the finished chicken with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. You can also prepare this recipe ahead of time by placing the chicken and sauce ingredients in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then cook in the slow cooker as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Russian dressing instead of Catalina dressing?
Yes. Russian dressing works well in this slow cooker apricot chicken recipe and adds a slightly bolder, tangier flavor.
Can I make apricot chicken with chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent option because they stay moist and tender during slow cooking.
How do I store leftover apricot chicken?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
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