If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is one of those gems I love to make when I want something easy but oh-so-delicious. Tender chicken breasts soak up this sweet and tangy apricot sauce while you go about your day, and by dinner time, your kitchen smells incredible. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Just pop everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Flavor Packed: The apricot preserves add a lovely sweet balance to the savory onion soup and mustard flavors.
Versatile Meal: Whether you serve it over rice, potatoes, or shredded in wraps, it always hits the spot.
Family Favorite: I discovered this trick when hosting and it quickly became a dinner staple everyone requests.

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

The magic of this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe really comes down to a handful of pantry staples that play off each other so well. The apricot preserves bring sweetness, the dijon mustard adds a little tang, and the soy sauce gives it that subtle depth and saltiness.

Chicken breasts: I always opt for boneless, skinless for easy shredding and quick cooking.
Dried onion soup mix: This is your secret seasoning that gives rich, savory flavor with very little effort.
Dijon mustard: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
Soy sauce: Use low sodium if you want to keep things from getting too salty.
Apricot preserves: The star of the show—choose quality preserves for the best taste.

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 my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak —depending on the mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own; I’m sharing some ideas below that my family loves.

Add heat: I sometimes stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the sweetness a little kick.
Use different fruit preserves: Peach or pineapple preserves work great if you want to switch it up or if apricot isn’t your jam.
Swap protein: Chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy, so I often use them instead of breasts for a more forgiving cook.
Make it gluten-free: Just use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Ingredients

Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Don’t worry about crowding them — they’ll shrink a bit as they cook. Sprinkle the dried onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. This seasoning mix adds so much savory depth with almost zero effort.

Step 2: Add the Sauces

Next, spoon the Dijon mustard over the chicken, followed by the soy sauce. These will melt into the sauce as everything cooks, giving it that amazing tang and umami balance. Then, dollop your jar of apricot preserves over the top and spread gently to cover the chicken as much as you can.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Serve

Put the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours. When it’s done, the chicken will be fall-apart tender and soaked in that glossy apricot sauce. If you want, shred the chicken with two forks and stir it right into the sauce. It’s heavenly over rice or mashed potatoes.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd: Giving your chicken some breathing room helps it cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
Use Quality Preserves: I learned the hard way that good apricot preserves make all the difference in the final taste.
Layer the Ingredients: Putting the onion mix directly on chicken ensures it flavors every bite.
Low and Slow Wins: Cooking on low heat prevents the chicken from drying out and keeps the sauce rich and glossy.

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 sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top—adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich sauce. Sometimes, just a grind of black pepper finishes it off perfectly.

Side Dishes

This chicken is a dream over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. If I’m feeling extra hungry, I’ll serve it alongside some roasted veggies or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or when I want to switch things up, I shred the slow-cooked chicken and pile it into crunchy lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce. It’s such a fun and light way to enjoy this comforting dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover apricot chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to keep it separate from sides and reheat everything just before serving.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and chicken tender. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually work really well because they stay juicy and tender during the long cooking time. You can follow the same instructions, but note that thighs might cook a bit faster, so check around 7 hours if you can.
Is this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos, and be sure your onion soup mix doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before by layering everything in the slow cooker insert, then just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it into the slow cooker and start cooking.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies. For a lighter option, try it with a crisp green salad or roasted cauliflower.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe comes together with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. The sweet, tangy sauce is addictive, and the ease of slow cooker prep means you can set it and forget it—even on your busiest days. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want that cozy homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a shot, and I’m pretty sure your family will be asking for it again soon!

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 147 reviews

Author: Megane
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 is a flavorful and effortless dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked slowly in a savory blend of dried onion soup mix, tangy Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and sweet apricot preserves, resulting in a deliciously sticky glaze. Serve it shredded over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting, family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 skinless boneless chicken breasts

Seasonings & Sauce

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

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Place the 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add seasoning: Sprinkle the entire 1-ounce packet of dried onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure even flavor distribution.
Mix wet ingredients: Spoon 4 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce over the top, spreading gently to cover the chicken.
Add preserves: Spread the entire 12-ounce jar of apricot preserves over the chicken, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
Serve: After cooking, serve the chicken breasts whole or shred the meat and mix it with the sauce to enjoy over rice, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side.

Notes

For best flavor, do not lift the lid during cooking to prevent heat loss.
If you prefer the chicken shredded, use two forks to pull apart the meat before serving.
Adjust soy sauce quantity to reduce sodium if desired.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 200g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 85mg