Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Crockpot Apricot Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together sweet and tangy flavors in a simple, hassle-free way. This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just four ingredients, you can create a meal that will impress your family and friends. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with rice, making it an excellent choice for any dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and only four ingredients, this dish is perfect for anyone looking for a quick meal solution.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of apricot preserves and Catalina dressing creates a uniquely sweet and tangy sauce that elevates the chicken’s taste.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice or with your favorite side dishes; this recipe adapts well to different meal plans.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch for the week ahead—this dish tastes even better the next day!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavor, making it a hit at the dinner table.

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Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing your kitchen will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Forks (for shredding)
• Paper towels (for de-greasing)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while creating tender, flavorful chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining sauces and spices before adding them to the slow cooker, ensuring even flavor distribution.
• Forks: Useful for shredding the cooked chicken effortlessly, making serving easy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (or boneless skinless chicken thighs)
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
• 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken in to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to enhance flavor. Stir all sauce ingredients together over the chicken evenly.

Step 2: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6 hours. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 3: De-Grease Sauce

Before serving, I prefer to de-grease the sauce. Lay a paper towel flat over the sauce; after a few seconds, lift it off—the grease will stick to it easily.

Step 4: Shred or Serve Whole

Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole if you prefer.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon out portions of rice onto plates and top with your delicious apricot chicken mixture.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Dig in and savor every bite of this sweet and savory dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is all about pairing it with the right sides to enhance its sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this dish.

Over Rice

• Light, fluffy rice is a classic choice that soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. White or brown rice both work well.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce. A fresh baguette or sourdough loaf adds a delightful crunch.

On a Salad

• For a lighter option, shred the chicken and place it atop a fresh green salad. Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

In Tacos

• Use the shredded apricot chicken as a filling for soft tacos. Top with avocado and cilantro for a fun twist on traditional tacos.

As Sandwiches

• Make delicious sandwiches by placing the chicken on toasted buns with some crunchy slaw. It’s perfect for a casual meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

To get the best results from your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality apricot preserves will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW for six hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring tender chicken.

• Shred Before Serving: Shredding the chicken helps it absorb more sauce, making each bite flavorful and juicy.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Pairing your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Steamed Broccoli: This nutrient-rich vegetable adds color and balances out the sweetness of the chicken.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs well with the tangy sauce.

3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus brings a fresh taste that complements the dish without overpowering it.

4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and contrast, making each bite interesting.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies can be a nutritious side that enhances your meal’s health benefits.

6. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory flavors and is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken become a disaster! Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Using skin-on or bone-in chicken can lead to a greasy dish. Stick with boneless, skinless cuts for best results.
• Skipping the de-greasing step: Not removing excess fat can make your meal heavy. Use a paper towel to absorb the grease before serving for a cleaner taste.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended 6 hours on LOW for perfectly tender chicken.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each brand of onion soup mix varies in saltiness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed to ensure balance in flavor.
• Neglecting side dish considerations: Serving without rice or another base can change the experience. Pair it with rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish on medium power until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken that may help you while cooking.

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, make sure it cooks thoroughly by extending the cooking time slightly.

Is there a substitute for Catalina dressing in this recipe?

You can use Russian dressing or even a homemade sweet-and-sour dressing as alternatives if needed.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken?

Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color. You could also try different fruit preserves!

Can I make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it the night before and just start the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner later.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also offers delightful flavors that everyone will love. This versatile dish allows you to customize it with your favorite sides or ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy its warm, comforting taste!