Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is an easy recipe using chicken thighs and dried apricots for a delicious dinner with big, fresh flavor and an intoxicating aroma - your kitchen will smell amazing!
Anyone else get giddy when your house fills up with the aroma of what you're cooking and you can almost taste it as you begin to salivate, like a Pavlov reaction?
The first time I made this slow cooker apricot chicken, I had stayed downstairs for several hours after starting it, working on my deadlines, cleaning up the kitchen, etc.
I finally moved upstairs for a workout and shower and when I walked out of my bedroom, I was struck with the savory-sweet smell wafting up to me.
Seriously ahhhhmazing!
And a half-hour later, when I walked back into the house after collecting the little ones from preschool, M said, "Mommy? What's THAT? That smells GOOD!"
The whole house was filled with it and it was practically torture waiting until dinner time.
(By the way, if you don't have time for a slow cooker version, check out this easy skillet apricot chicken that's ready in 30 minutes.)
And so I nearly burned my tongue as soon as I heard the slow cooker beep that it was finished. #nopatience
And happily, the taste is as swoon-worthy as the smell.
The depth of flavor from the tangy Dijon mustard, the sweetness of the apricots, a quick hit of acidity from the fresh lemon juice, a shot of earthiness from the thyme and the background of savory from the chicken broth, garlic and onion… it's a flavor fest for sure!
And those onions, they are melt-in-your-mouth tender and full of the chicken and apricot flavors.
The dried apricots get full and juicy and fall-apart tender as they cook. You'll find little bits of apricot clinging to the chicken throughout the dish. Divine!
And of course the chicken thighs are the star of the show and they are so juicy and tender and scrumptious.
I think you are going to love this dish!
(And check out these other healthy slow cooker chicken recipes for more kitchen inspiration!)
OK, let's get cooking.
Now, I've got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make crock pot apricot chicken. Just tryin' to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs - I highly recommend using chicken thighs and not substituting with breasts. I normally prefer chicken breasts myself, but the thighs here offer a greater depth of flavor and heartiness that's needed to balance the light, sweet flavors of the dish. They also retain more flavor in the crockpot than breasts do, in my experience.
- Apricots - We are using DRIED apricots, not fresh. They have a more concentrated flavor and hold up better to slow cooking. You can find them in the grocery store aisle with the raisins and other dried fruits.
- Dijon Mustard - This adds to the tanginess that helps balance the sweetness from the apricots. I don't recommend subbing yellow mustard.
- Chicken Broth - It adds some extra savory flavor, but water would work fine if you don't have any on hand.
- Thyme - I always have dried thyme on hand, so that's readily available for me to use in this recipe. If you happen to have fresh thyme, feel free to use that; you'll need 1 tablespoon.
Tips and Tricks
- Searing the chicken thighs in the pan first really helps seal in the flavor! I know it's an extra step - and you know I like to take shortcuts and keep things simple - but please don't skip it.
- Any apricots that are sticking out of the cooking liquid in the slow cooker may turn brown/black. They taste fine - not burnt - but you could also simply toss those pieces. There are plenty of apricots here!
- Cooking temp: You can cook this on low or on high in the crock pot. Mine took about 6 hours on low and 3 hours 45 minutes on high, but slow cookers can vary so check your meat with a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Save ALL of the juices! The sauce that gets made in the slow cooker is pure gold. You are going to want to drizzle it all over your plate - and you should!
As for serving this up...
Serving Ideas
I like to serve this apricot chicken over steamed brown rice (white rice is fine, and couscous or quinoa would also be good). You want something that can help soak up those glorious juices.
Then pile the chicken, onions and apricots on top. Drizzle a little of the juices over everything and then serve the rest of the juices at the table.
I poured, poured, poured that yummy sauce all over my plate. It was a good call.
The chicken and rice soak up the sauce and everything really comes together as one dish.
As for a vegetable side, your favorite steamed veggie - like broccoli or asparagus - would be great here. Or you could serve this with a side salad.
Last thing, what to do with any leftovers.
The leftover chicken and apricots and juices, once cooled, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the microwave.
Yes! The leftovers freeze great. Let cool, then transfer to a freezer safe container or ziplock bag (be sure to label it!) and freeze for up to 4-5 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in a skillet or in the microwave. The extra juices help prevent the chicken from drying out.
This slow cooker apricot chicken is now on regular rotation in our house. And every time I make it, I get so excited when the smell starts permeating the house.
Hope you give this a try and enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
P.S. Check out all my slow cooker chicken recipes for more easy dinner inspiration!
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup sliced onion
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved if desired
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saute pan.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, until browned, turning once.
- Combine chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, mustard, garlic and thyme in slow cooker and whisk to combine. (Or you can stir it all together in a small bowl and add to your slow cooker.)
- Add onions, apricots and seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve chicken thighs and plenty of sauce over brown rice or whole wheat couscous.
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Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
I love apricot and chicken as a combination, and this sounds amazing! I can only imagine the smell. I don't own a slow cooker (yet) but this seems like a recipe that I could make in my tajine too!
Kathryn says
Aren't they so good together?! Would love to hear if you try this in your tajine - bet it would work!
Nancy says
Hi Kathryn
I hope this gets to you...
I’d like to make this dish for a potluck and am wondering if the brown rice could be cooked in the bottom of the slow cooker with the apricot chicken on top. How would this recipe be adapted for this? Ie. more chicken broth?
Thanks,
Nancy
Kathryn says
Hi Nancy, I'm afraid I don't know. I've never made rice in the slow cooker before so I'm not sure how to do that. Here's an article you could read for reference though: https://www.geniuskitchen.com/recipe/perfect-crock-pot-rice-16465 Otherwise, you can cook the rice separately on the stove (or make it ahead of time and warm it up in the microwave). Hope that helps!
Kim says
Hi - Would this recipe work as a Kosher meal if I bought Kosher chicken? I am entertaining and have Kosher guests.
Kathryn says
Hi Kim! I don't keep kosher, so I'm not sure all the various rules that you have to follow to ensure a recipe is kosher. Sorry I can't be of more help!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Sorry to hear potty training didn't go so well! My fingers will be crossed for you guys next time you try!! That video of your daughter dancing to prince has to be THE cutest thing on the planet!!! Seriously, adorable!
Now, chicken! This Slow Cooker Chicken looks FAB, Kathryn!! Love love loooooove apricot, so you using it to lovingly coat chicken is blowing my mind! I could eat the entire slow cooker of chicken in one sitting! Pinned! Cheers, dear!
Kathryn says
Thanks girl! I've been obsessed with all things apricot this spring, and this definitely satisfies the craving 🙂
Cristal says
I enjoyed this receipe although I might have added a bit too much thyme. Was a bit too herbal tasting but will try adding less next time. Thanks for the recipe!
Kathryn Doherty says
Glad to hear you enjoyed it! 😊 It should just be one teaspoon of thyme for the entire recipe, and a lot of that flavor kinda cooks out, but you can definitely try using less next time!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food says
Oh well, the potty training will happen soon enough, I'm sure, Kathryn!! This Slow Cooker Chicken looks/sounds amazing!!! I love apricots with chicken- all that sweet/savoury combo. And how awesome of a recipe...just throw together and then get an amazing meal in no time. Perfect for those busy days. Pinning for making soon! Have a great week!
Kathryn says
Thanks Dawn! It's such an easy dinner and the flavor is out of this world! 🙂
Elaine @ Flavour and Savour says
I don't use dried apricots nearly enough! Love those things. This recipe sounds perfect for my family! Good luck with the potty training when the time is right! Pinning this one 🙂
Kathryn says
We always have dried apricots on hand as a snack/treat for the kids but I've been munching on them and cooking/baking with them so much lately - such great flavor!
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is says
Ah I saw the video you posted on Facebook, it's so cute! Even though it's warming up outside, I'm struggling to put the slow cooker away for the summer because I love it so much, so this recipe is exactly what I'm looking for! I'm all about apricots, and can only imagine how amazing this smells as it cooks, I would definitely have no patience and burn my tongue needing a bite asap too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O I want this now! It's so perfect! Totally a slow cooker chicken dish I would come up with!!! All hail slow cooker chicken 😉
Nancy | Plus Ate Six says
Grrrr....I still haven't bought a slow cooker so I'll have to make this in casserole/dutch oven and a slow cooker. Loving the sweet and tanginess of this dish and the sauce and I bet it smells a-mazing.
Erin @ Thanks for Cookin'! says
I love making chicken thighs in my crockpot! Fall off the bone deliciousness. I haven't worked with apricots too often but this dish is making me crave them. Beautiful photos, too, as always 🙂
Kathryn says
Thanks Erin 🙂 Thighs in the crock pot are a beautiful thing - I'll definitely be doing that more often 🙂
karrie@TastyEverAfter says
Did M say "shaking my booty backwards" in that video? Oh my gawd, that's freaking adorable! hahahaha! Sorry thing didn't go well with the potty training. Hopefully next time 🙂 Now on to this recipe! My Grandma used to make the best apricot chicken in the oven so I'm so happy to see yours as a slow cooker one. I'm all about using my slow cooker every chance I can get and will be trying this recipe ASAP! Thanks for posting it 🙂
Kathryn says
Haha, yes she did! I can't stop cracking up over it - totally impromptu dance party and I'm so glad we caught it on video 🙂 I love my slow cooker. Such a life saver! And I'm excited to have some easy, fresh spring and summer recipes to keep using it!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Oh my goodness I remember the potty training days! Good luck with that! Thank goodness you have this easy chicken apricot dish that is perfect from the slow cooker!
Kathryn says
Easy, tasty slow cooker meals like this are definitely what get me through a long day, whether it involves potty training or not! 😉
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Such a tasty and pretty chicken dish! And the slow cooker makes it all the prettier! Your little man will get there...and your little lady is adorable!! You've shared all sorts of sweet, today!
Kathryn says
Aww, thanks Annie! Have a great weekend!
Andrea Wyckoff says
I love the combination of flavors in this dish! I can see there is some serious yum action happening with the apricots, thyme, and mustard. I look forward to trying it!
Kathryn says
Yes, there is SO much flavor packed into this apricot chicken! Thanks for stopping by Andrea 🙂
Amanda says
What a gorgeous chicken dish! I definitely don't use my slow cooker enough. I have a package of dried apricots in my pantry waiting for a good use, and I think this will be it! 🙂 Their sweetness must be great against the zip of the Dijon mustard.
Kathryn says
Thanks Amanda! This is a perfect spring/summer slow cooker meal that's full of flavor but not so heavy. And yes - the apricots and Dijon balance so well - hope you give it a try!
Kirsten | humbledish says
Well this looks just fabulous! I rarely pull out my slow cooker, because I just don't think that most slow cooker recipes out in the ether are healthy at all (so much canned soup, so much cheese!). But this is clearly different, and I will definitely be trying it out!
Scrolling through the pictures makes me wonder about doing a variation of this recipe with tagine style flavors, also...
Kathryn says
Thanks Kirsten! I love that this is so light and fresh 🙂 I think tagine flavors would be fabulous here!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
Congratulations your post has been featured in this weeks Friday Favorites Linky Party!!
https://homemadeandyummy.com/recipes-2/
Be sure to share via your social media....and thanks for linking up.
Kathryn says
Thanks so much Gloria - for the feature and for hosting! Have shared 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Charlene Asay says
What beautiful pictures. I would never think to put these two together. Sounds great!
Kathryn says
Thanks Charlene! They make a seriously delicious combo 🙂
Heather says
I was so excited when I came across this recipe yesterday! In my excitement (and with the distraction of a 2 year old) I overlooked that this called for DRIED apricots and bought fresh apricots 🙁 Does anyone have any idea what it would be like if I used them???
Heather says
or I could use my food dehydrator and make my own dried apricots, but I'm new to it and I don't want to ruin them!
Kathryn says
Two-year-olds are distracting like that 😉 I would suggest slicing the fresh apricots and tossing them on top of the chicken in the last hour or two of cooking so they soften and infuse the flavor a little without completely disintegrating. Would love to hear if you try it!
Kim Young says
Potty training is not for the faint of heart! Have faith though, he'll get it. 🙂 This recipe looks amazing! I'm pinning for later - I've not tried apricot and chicken together but like both I bet it's just delicious together! Thanks so much for stopping by You Link It We Make It! We hope to see you again soon!
Kathryn says
So true, Kim, so true - it's serious business! And yes, you've got to pair apricots and chicken - delicious combination!
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
This looks amazing! I love anything I can make in the crockpot and I can envision what this aroma must smell like 🙂 Pinned & Stubmled, looking forward to trying this recipe 🙂
Kathryn says
Thanks Angela! I hope you love it!
Eileen Baird says
I cannot get the actual recipe for slow cooker apricots and chicken to pull up ? Just photos and blog....looks amazing would like to make it 🍀😄🍀 Eileen
Tracey says
I cannot get it either and i use it all the time.way Kathryn can you please repost?
Kathryn says
Hi guys! So sorry, I've just switched recipe plugins and there seem to be some tech glitches. They are looking into it now. That recipe appears to be showing up at the very bottom of the post - underneath the big Pinterest image. (Hopefully it will be moved back up soon once they figure out what's wrong.) Sorry for the inconvenience!
Dana Theis says
Any idea how this would work with canned apricots rather than dried? I'm trying to avoid another trip to the store.
Kathryn says
Hi Dana! I'm not sure... I've never used canned apricots but I'm guessing they would just break down completely and mostly dissolve in the slow cooker after all that cooking time, since they are soft to start with. They might leave a slight apricot flavor but it won't be quite as concentrated as using dried. And they'd also make it a lot more liquidy. (So I'd suggest using just 1/2 cup or 3/4 cup of chicken broth if you decide to give it a go.) Let me know if you try it!
Connie Snider says
Thank you for this it sounds wonderful and I can't wait to try it. On the nutritional information it doesn't say what a serving size is. How many,chicken thighs? how much rice?, etc.
Kathryn says
Hi Connie! I usually serve 2 chicken thighs per person (sometimes 3 for my husband) and 1/2 cup dry rice cooks up enough to serve 2 people. Hope that helps and hope you enjoy it!
Kaye Harding says
This recipe was followed to the letter and it was awful will never ever make this recipe again.
Kathryn says
I'm so sorry to hear that Kaye! I've had great luck with this recipe and know many others who have as well. I wish I knew what went wrong... I'm happy to try and troubleshoot with you if you want to send me an email. It's kathryn @ familyfoodonthetable.com.
Dena says
Hi! Do you have any recommendations for veggies I can add to the crock pot, i.e. green beans but really anything to make it more of healthy one pot meal? Thanks!
Kathryn says
Hi Dena! I think green beans or broccoli go great with this dish. I find a lot of veggies get too soft in the slow cooker, but you could try adding them with an hour or so left of cooking. I hope that helps and I'd love to hear what you try!
Jules says
Hi,
Just thought I would leave a comment here because this is the second time I have looked up this recipe because it was so good the first time.
I made two small changes, I used tinned apricot and less broth so there wasn't too much liquid, and I added ginger. It is SO good. Thanks for awesome recipe.
Kathryn says
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it Jules! Thanks for sharing! 😊