This slow cooker apricot chicken is the ultimate fuss-free family dinner-sweet, savoury, and so easy! Love simple slow cooker meals? Try my honey soy chicken, creamy Tuscan chicken, or pulled pork too!
This is a regular in my household. It's crazy easy, limited ingredients and super tasty!
- Rochelle
I'm all about quick and easy weeknight dinners! While I don't mind spending extra time in the kitchen on weekends, weeknights call for simple, no-fuss meals.
For a recipe to make it onto our regular rotation, it has to be:
✔️ Kid-friendly
✔️ Made with basic pantry staples
✔️ Quick to prepare
✔️ Freezer-friendly for leftovers
This slow cooker apricot chicken ticks every box-just like our family favourites noodle and beef chow mein, creamy chicken, bacon and rice casserole, 4 ingredient carbonara, and tuna and vegetable pasta bake.
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Prep and Forget! This apricot chicken takes less than 10 minutes to throw together-then let the slow cooker work its magic while you get on with your day.
- Family-Friendly. Sweet, comforting, and always a hit-even with fussy eaters! The apricots add just the right touch of sweetness kids love.
- Budget-Friendly. Made with affordable chicken thighs, but you can swap for drumsticks or breasts if you prefer (keep in mind, chicken breasts won't be quite as tender).
- Only 4 Ingredients! It doesn't get any easier than this-just four simple ingredients, and you're done!
- Packed with Flavour. Don't underestimate that little packet of French onion soup mix-it's the secret to big, bold flavour.
- Freezer-Friendly. Cook a big batch and freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Perfect for busy nights!
Jump to:
Chicken Ingredients
JUST 4 INGREDIENTS!!! Can you believe it!? So simple, yet so full of flavour-this is weeknight cooking made easy!
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Chicken - or swap for drumsticks or breasts. Thighs and drumsticks give the most tender, fall-apart meat. Use up to 1kg if needed.
- Apricot Nectar - a thick, sweet liquid (check below for tips on the best type and where to buy it).
- French Onion Soup Mix - a packet of flavour-packed powder from the soup aisle. I use Continental, but any brand works.
How To Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
It couldn't be easier to make this delicious apricot chicken-just follow these simple steps!
Note: scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom for the full detailed method and ingredient quantities
- Step 1: Sear the chicken thighs until golden on each side and then place into the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Sprinkle over the French onion soup packet.
Add the drained apricot halves and the apricot nectar.
Cook for 6 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH.
- Step 3: If you want to thicken the soup, add a little cornflour dissolved in water and stir through the sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Opt for skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks for the most tender, fall-apart meat. While chicken breasts can be used, they may not be as juicy.
- Select Quality Apricot Nectar: Use thick, sweet apricot nectar for the best flavour. Look for it in the juice aisle of your supermarket.
- Drain Apricot Halves: Ensure you drain the canned apricot halves before adding them to the slow cooker to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Use Flavorful Soup Mix: A packet of French onion soup mix adds depth to the dish. Continental brand is popular in Australia, but any brand will work.
- Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavours to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous, accompanied by steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken FAQs
It's not essential, but it really does elevate the flavour! Searing caramelises the chicken, locks in moisture, and adds a rich, delicious depth to the dish. If you've got a few extra minutes, it's totally worth it!
If you can't find canned apricot halves in juice, try using preserved apricot halves or lightly poached fresh apricots instead.
I recommend it! Just stir through a little cornflour mixed with water at the end of cooking. This gives the sauce a lovely, rich consistency-perfect for serving over mash or pasta.
Absolutely! Skinless chicken drumsticks are a great alternative to thighs. You can also use chicken breasts or tenderloins, but keep in mind they won't have the same tender, fall-apart texture.
More Slow Cooker Dinner Recipes
Looking for more easy, set-and-forget meals? Try these family favourites!
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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 800g skinless chicken thighs approx 6 thighs
- 40 g French onion soup mix packet dried
- 410 g apricot halves drained
- 405 ml apricot nectar
- 1 tbs cornflour optional (see notes)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat. Brown each side of the chicken thighs before transferring to the slow cooker. (Note: if you have a searing slow cooker you can do this step in the slow cooker bowl).
- Sprinkle over the french onion soup packet.
- Add the drained apricot halves and the apricot nectar.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Serve with your choice of vegetables, mashed potato or pasta.
Notes
- skinless chicken thighs - or substitute with chicken drumsticks or chicken breasts. Chicken thighs or drumsticks are the best option as they will be more tender and the meat will quite literally 'fall-apart' when cooked. You can increase the amount of chicken up to 1kg if you like.
- apricot nectar - apricot nectar is a sweet thick liquid that is made by mixing apricot puree with water. It can sometimes be tricky to find at the supermarket as it tends to be kept in the juice aisle (not the canned/tinned fruit aisle).
- apricot halves - ensure the apricot halves are drained before adding to the slow cooker.
- French Onion soup mix - this is a powder that can be bought in packets from the soup aisle of the supermarket. I generally use Continental brand (which is popular here in Australia), but you can use any brand you like. It is also known as simmer soup mix.
Stacey VaLucas says
This is the yummiest Apricot Chicken I have ever had. My spouse recently left me and I was concerned about trying new meals. The way the instructions are written including what isle to find items has helped me not only be able to enjoy eating a yummy meal but also feel more independent being able to cook it myself. Thank you for this wonderful and detailed recipe
Lucy says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!
Kirsten says
Can I give this to my 12 month old?
Lucy says
Hi Kristen, I can't see why not!!
Emma says
Can you make this without the apricot havles. Just using the nectar
Lucy says
Hi Emma, I'd recommend using it all!
Danielle says
Another delicious recipe. Thank you
Lucy says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Bradley says
I made some alterations, I dipped the chicken in flower and fried the out side, and and added 1 caramelised onion. Overall very nice,thank you.
Amy says
I’m not usually one to comment. But I could not leave without saying how amazing this dish was. I could not believe how easy and cheap this meal was. Definitely adding it to the recipe book x
Lucy says
Oh I am SO happy to hear that! Thank you so much!