If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor and practically makes itself, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how tender the chicken gets, soaking up that sweet-and-savory apricot sauce all day long. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof and seriously crowd-pleasing—your family or guests will be asking for seconds before you know it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away for stress-free dinner prep.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The apricot preserves add a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory mustard and onion soup mix.
Versatile Meal: Serve it shredded over rice, mashed potatoes, or even enjoy it on its own for an easy weeknight dinner.
Great for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well and reheats wonderfully, making leftovers just as delicious.

A white plate holds a base layer of plain white rice with a fluffy texture, topped by a single piece of dark brown fish glazed in a shiny reddish-brown sauce with small bits of onions or spices visible. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, accompanied by a large round loaf of brown bread in the background, a small white bowl with green herbs, a silver fork and knife on the left, and a crumpled blue cloth on the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like a little flavor party in your slow cooker. I always keep apricot preserves on hand just for this recipe because that sweet, sticky sauce is the star. Bonus tip: you don’t need fancy or hard-to-find meats—simple chicken breasts work perfectly.

Skinless boneless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly and shred, these are ideal for soaking up the sauce.
Dried onion soup mix: A secret weapon that adds savory flavor without extra chopping or seasoning.
Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness of the apricot preserves.
Soy sauce: Helps deepen the umami flavor and season the dish perfectly.
Apricot preserves: The star ingredient; choose a good-quality jar for the best flavor and texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own by swapping or adding flavors. I’ve tried a few tweaks and they all bring their own magic, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Add heat: I once added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that my family loved, which beautifully balanced the sweetness.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts: For richer flavor and even juicier results, thighs are a great swap if you don’t mind the extra fat.
Make it gluten-free: Simply substitute tamari for soy sauce to keep the flavors without the gluten.
Double the sauce: If you want extra apricot sauce for dipping or drizzling, just double the preserves and soy sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Start by laying the chicken breasts flat at the bottom of your slow cooker. I like to pat them dry first so the seasoning sticks better. Sprinkle the dried onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. This mix is my secret shortcut—it adds so much flavor with no fuss. Then, dollop the Dijon mustard across the top and drizzle the soy sauce. Finally, spread the apricot preserves in a nice even layer over everything. The preserves will melt and mingle with the other ingredients as it cooks, creating that mouthwatering sauce we want!

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it on low for about eight hours. Trust me, the low-and-slow method makes your chicken fall-apart tender and super juicy. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 4 hours, but I’ve found low heat gives the best texture. While it cooks, you can relax, run errands, or prep a side dish without worrying about burning or drying out your chicken.

Step 3: Serve It Up Your Way

When the timer goes off, your kitchen will smell incredible! You can serve the chicken breasts whole with spoonfuls of that glossy apricot sauce on top, or shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks to soak up even more sauce. I personally like shredding it over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes—such comfort food vibes!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Use Thick Apricot Preserves: I’ve found that preserves (not jam) provide the best syrupy texture that clings to the chicken beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Onion Soup Mix: This pack adds layers of savory notes and seasoning without any extra effort—totally elevates the dish.
Avoid Overcooking: Set your slow cooker on low and stick to the 8-hour window to keep chicken tender but not dry.
Shred in the Sauce: Shredding the chicken right in the crock pot helps it soak up the sauce rather than drying out when removed.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

A round white plate holds a large ring of fluffy white rice with green herb flecks spread evenly around the edge. In the center is a mound of shredded meat covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce with visible chunks of onions. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with a blue cloth napkin casually folded to the right. In the background, there is a round loaf of crusty bread on a wooden board, and a small white bowl with green herbs inside. Two silver forks rest near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this apricot chicken with freshly chopped parsley or green onions—they add a pop of color and a fresh brightness that balances the sweet sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a few toasted sesame seeds on top for a little nutty crunch, which my family always notices and appreciates.

Side Dishes

You’ll find that this chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like steamed white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. One of my favorite combos is roasted broccoli or green beans—they bring a nice texture contrast and keep the meal balanced. For a grainier option, quinoa or couscous also soak up the sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this shredded apricot chicken piled high in warm pita pockets with some crisp lettuce and a dollop of Greek yogurt—it’s like an easy apricot chicken sandwich that feels a bit more festive. Another fun idea is to mix the shredded chicken into a vibrant grain bowl with roasted veggies and a sprinkle of nuts for texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, you can cool the leftover chicken and sauce, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like to keep the sauce and chicken together so the meat stays moist and flavorful—reheating only gets better that way.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags with plenty of sauce and freeze for up to 3 months. When I defrost it overnight in the fridge, the texture and flavor remain fantastic and just as comforting as the first day.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it juicy. Stir occasionally until heated through—this keeps the sauce glossy and the chicken tender instead of drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase cooking time and potentially cause the outer layers to overcook while the inside is still frozen.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking for about 10 minutes with a natural pressure release. Just be sure to add a little extra liquid if needed to avoid the burn warning.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves if I don’t have any?

If apricot preserves aren’t available, peach or mango preserves work well as a substitute and will provide a similar sweet and fruity flavor to the dish.
How do I thicken the sauce if it seems too watery?

You can remove the chicken once cooked and then transfer the sauce to a saucepan to simmer and reduce, or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water, cooking gently until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute go-to meals whenever I want something easy but impressive. I love how it fills the house with cozy aromas and delivers tender, flavorful chicken every single time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to boring weeknight dinners. So go ahead, grab that jar of apricot preserves, and give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 131 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Slow Cooker
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe is an effortless and flavorful dish perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a delicious blend of dried onion soup mix, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and sweet apricot preserves, resulting in a juicy, savory-sweet entrée that pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Sauces

1 ounce packet of dried onion soup mix
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Sauce Base

12 ounce jar of apricot preserves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating an even layer.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the entire 1 ounce packet of dried onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add robust flavor.
Mix and Add Sauces: Drizzle 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage for a balanced tangy and salty profile.
Add Apricot Preserves: Spread the 12-ounce jar of apricot preserves evenly on top of the chicken and seasonings—this will provide the signature sweet glaze.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours. This gentle cooking method will tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors beautifully.
Serve: After cooking, serve the chicken breasts whole or shred the meat with two forks. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy a comforting and complete meal.

Notes

Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and to absorb flavors.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick before cooking.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Shredded chicken works great tossed with cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Ensure the slow cooker is set to the low setting for the full 8 hours to achieve the best, tender texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 85mg