Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (2024)

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5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

65 Comments

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is so moist that it melts in your mouth. Throw 4 simple ingredients into the slow cooker and check on in at dinner time. It's so easy and a fail proof recipe.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (1)

Who doesn’t love a simple and easy recipe like this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe? With only 4 simple sauce ingredients that you probably have in your pantry, this is the perfect easy dinner recipe.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (2)

Crock pot apricot chicken has a great flavor that is created from a French dressing or Russian dressing mixed with a few other ingredients to create a delicious apricot sauce.

This chicken dish doesn’t even need any extra sauce or juices like soy sauce, olive oil, or chicken broth to create a delicious apricot nectar sauce that the whole family will love.

It is a simple crock pot apricot chicken recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights to ensure a delicious dinner recipe.

If slow cooking is your style, make sure to check out our othercrock pot recipeslike this easy chicken dinner:

  • Slow Cooker Ritz Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients used to make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken:

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (3)
  • Apricot preserves (or apricot jam)
  • Russian dressing
  • Packet onion soup mix
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (chicken thighs can work as well)

How to make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken:

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (4)
  1. In a medium sized bowl mix together the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix packet.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray.
  3. Pour the apricot preserve mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
  5. Shred the chicken and stir until it’s all covered in the apricot mixture.
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (5)

Change the flavor for more delicious recipes:

By switching out the apricot preserves with other simple ingredients like orange marmalade or peach preserves, you can alter this recipe to make even more easy slow cooker chicken recipes that you will like just with simple switches.

How to store crockpot apricot chicken:

Once you are done serving dinner and the chicken has cooled down, store any leftover chicken and the savory sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What to serve with this sweet and sour chicken recipe:

  • Italian Fresh Green Salad Recipe
  • Garlic Roasted Potatoes Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes Recipe
  • Mom’s Easy Potato Salad Recipe

Other slow cooker recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Beef Sirloin Tips and Gravy Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Rice Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef Recipe

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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (6)

Serves: 6 people

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken is so moist that it melts in your mouth. Throw 4 simple ingredients into the slow cooker and check on in at dinner time.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • cups apricot preserves
  • 1 cup Russian dressing
  • 1 ounce packet onion soup mix
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

  • In a medium sized bowl mix together the apricot preserves, Russian dressing, and dry onion soup mix packet.

  • Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray.

  • Pour the apricot preserve mixture over the chicken.

  • Cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.

  • Shred the chicken and stir until it's all covered in the apricot mixture.

Notes

We like to serve this chicken over a warm bed of rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 476 kcal · Carbohydrates: 48 g · Protein: 25 g · Fat: 22 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 72 mg · Sodium: 883 mg · Potassium: 526 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 33 g · Vitamin A: 349 IU · Vitamin C: 8 mg · Calcium: 34 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

  • Medium Mixing Bowl

Recipe Details

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (7)

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  1. Artsy VaVa says:

    Sounds delicious! Just pinned it to my recipe board.

  2. Ellen Zames says:

    This sounds great! I'm always looking for a good crock pot recipe especially for chicken. I think I'll try this to,or row night for dinner

  3. Lisa Lou says:

    Oh my goodness! This is my husband's favorite chicken and it is SO easy to make and always tastes delicious! Thanks for posting the recipe! I usually end up calling my mother-in-law for it because I forget the quantities.

  4. Jocelyn says:

    I love easy chicken recipes for the crockpot. We will try this for sure!!!

  5. maryr917 says:

    this chicken recipe sounds delish-have to try it

  6. Kalyan P says:

    Just mouthwatering...looks so easy to prepare & delicious!

  7. Ashley Cray says:

    This is one of my favorite recipes! I serve it over brown rice, and it makes for super yummy left overs as well! Thanks for posting the recipe, as I always just "eyeball" it and it always turns out differently (and I like consistency).

  8. AttyJen says:

    Made this for the second time last night. The first time I made it with Thousand Island dressing because I couldn't find Russian. The second time I found Russian dressing but I accidentally bought Apricot Pineapple preserves and it was still great. This recipe seems fool proof. Love it!

  9. Cat says:

    Has anyone tried cooking it on low for 8 hours instead of the high for one, low for 4? I usually turn my crockpot on at 7 am and it switches over to keep warm at 3 pm. The recipe sounds good, but I might have to save it for a weekend, if it can't be left on low all day.

  10. Six Sisters says:

    Hi Cat!

    I think it would work fine to cook it on low for that long where your crock pot switches to warm. Let us know how it goes!

  11. Carrie says:

    oh my goodness. I made this today. I put frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot before I left for church. I started it around 9 on low and it cooked until we got home, around 2:30. It was amazing!! I will be making it again. Thank you!!!

  12. Melissa says:

    I hate Russian dressing. Does anyone have a suggestion of something else I could use?

  13. Michelle says:

    This sounds so good! I have a very similar recipe using a can of whole cranberry sauce, an 8oz bottle of French dressing and the onion soup mix. It's so easy and so yummy, especially over rice. I'm definitely going to try your recipe too! :)

  14. Tracy says:

    We have an apricot tree in our yard. so I am always looking for recipes to use them up!

  15. Jesi me says:

    My crockpot is MIA... :( any thoughts as to how to prepare this and get similar results but using tge oven or stove?

  16. Ellen Zames says:

    I've used Dijon mustard instead of the russian dressing and it was delicious. I would use 1 cup of preserves and 1/3 cup of mustard with the packet of onion soup mix.

  17. momof2beauties says:

    Do you have any suggestions on making this with something other than the onion soup mix??

  18. valentinegirl says:

    I make a similar recipe that uses one cup mayo (not miracle whip) and 3 Tbsp of ketchup with the soup mix. Turns out great!

  19. valentinegirl says:

    I make a very similar recipe mixing the sauce and baking at 350 covered for 30 min, then uncovered for 30 min. Always turns out!

  20. Megan says:

    This was delicious! I ate the leftover chicken on hamburger buns, and it made for a delicious chicken sandwich. Thanks so much!

  21. Robin Black says:

    I often make this recipe substituting Peach preserves for the Apricot. It's always a hit in my house!

  22. blank says:

    I make something very similar to this, except I make a huge batch of it, and I use Creamy French dressing in addition to the Russian. So, 5 lbs of chicken, a whole bottle of Creamy French, a half size bottle of Russian dressing, 18 oz jar of apricot preserves and the onion soup mix. I tried it this way first, and I've never wanted to go without the Creamy French. I serve it over rice as well. I shredded some leftovers once and put it in a corn tortilla and it wasn't bad! My 5 yr old daughter begs me to make it! :)

  23. Jeans and a Sweatshirt- says:

    Catalina dressing works too!

  24. tiffany locke says:

    I want to try chicken drums with this instead of breast...what do you ladies think?

  25. Six Sisters says:

    We think it will be great! -The Six Sisters

  26. PixiePixie says:

    My mom made this recipe a lot when my sisters and I were growing up. I remember it always being delicious! I have since become a vegetarian, but I plan on trying this on some tofu, because I have been craving it lately!

  27. David and Leah says:

    Do you think I could combine the other ingredients and throw them in a bag with the chicken for a freezer meal? I know it is easy as it is, but it is for someone else who really can't think about cooking right now so I'm trying to make it as easy as possible.

  28. Six Sisters says:

    I can't see why it wouldn't work! Go for it. Should work just fine! -The Six Sisters

  29. Linda Gac says:

    Made this tonight. So easy and yummy. The kids kept asking when we were going to eat after smelling it all afternoon. This recipe is a keeper, will def. make again. Thanks for all your great recipes.

  30. Dori says:

    My mom made this my entire childhood,except she called it Russian Chicken, and made it with whole chicken pieces in the oven, slowed baked in a Pyrex. Its always been one of my (and my whole families) favorites!! I think I will try it in the crock now.

  31. Kristin says:

    I add a can of crushed pineapple! Delicious!

  32. latoya says:

    Does the meat have to be thawed or frozen?

  33. Cyd says:

    We have done it both ways. Frozen is a lot quicker!

  34. Sheri says:

    My husband is a diabetic. Do you think it would turn out good with sugar free apricot preserves??

  35. Cyd says:

    Yes it will work great. You just want the yummy apricot flavor and it should still give you that with sugar free preserves.

  36. Grammy says:

    I make my own. I'd leave the pickles out for this chicken recipe.Russian Dressing1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 tablespoons pickle relish 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Dressing can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week.

  37. tori says:

    What about with Simply Fruit Apricots instead of Preserves? What is best if I cannot find Russian dressing?

  38. Cyd says:

    We have never used Simply Fruit Apricots, but if it is close to the consistency of Apricot preserves, it should work just fine. You could use french or thousand island dressing in place Russian, but the taste will be different.

  39. Priscilla says:

    I have made the chicken with the cranberries in the past many times. I found this recipe and the family said they love this one the most.

  40. Mary says:

    I use french dressing!

  41. Tracy says:

    Just made this for the family last night and they loved it!

  42. Laurie says:

    I cannot wait to try this! I like to double, and even triple meals that I make and freeze the "extra" meals to give away to family or friends in need of a meal, or have another meal for my husband and myself in another week or two and this will be perfect for that! I think the chicken would also be great sliced and put in a lettuce salad or in a wrap.

  43. Peg Redlinski says:

    This recipe is excellent, a new family fav. Thanks for sharing <3

  44. Mel B says:

    HI! I have made this recipe many times and it has become a regular crock pot meal.So good, and easy...I have used this sauce recipe with a bag of frozen turkey meatballs and this is so delicious we have named this recipe AMAZEBALLS. Because the frozen turkey meatballs do not give off the liquid as chicken would, the sauce has a thicker consistency which is absolutely wonderful! Thanks for the great inspiration!

  45. Jeanie says:

    I have this question too. Or, does anyone know of a gluten-free onion soup mix? Thanks.

  46. Felice says:

    I have do e this resipe for over 35 years .). But I baked itin oven. 45 min to an hour depending if it is breast or cut up whole chicken. Funny I was goi gto make this tonight. But said to myself lets try something new, so checked out resipes online ... Nothing comes close to this one :)

  47. Linda says:

    This has been my birthday meal for many many years! Absolutely delicious. You can use the same recipe and put in the oven at 350 for a hour.

  48. Sandy says:

    Have been making this in Micro for over 25 yrs. I always add bout 1/4 cup of mayo. Comes out delicious!! Can be done in oven also.

  49. dearcat says:

    I make thick, boneless pork chops or the same with ribs and it is delish. Must try this chicken. I am 77 and found the wonders of crockpots about one year ago.Thanks

  50. Teri G says:

    I had fresh apricots I needed to use up so I pitted and cut them up and sprinkled with sugar and let sir till juicy then I roughly mashed up... Also no dressing .. so added honey mustard and a1 mayo to the apricots .. tasted and was super yummy... Also added a hand full of graded zucchini just for a sneak in veggie. In crock pot now :)

  51. Cyd says:

    Boneless chicken breasts work great for the slow cooker apricot chicken!

  52. Chris in Sunset Beach says:

    Am I correct in assuming we are using skinless/boneless chic breasts.Thanks

  53. Cyd says:

    Yes, Skinless boneless chicken breasts!

  54. Grace says:

    Just made this tonight!!! So delicious! Even my picky 2 year old ate some. We served over mashed potatoes. Thanks!

  55. Cyd says:

    Thank you Grace!!! So glad the family liked it. It can be tricky getting 2 year olds to try something new for dinner! Have a great week!

  56. Michelle G says:

    Wow! This was amazing. Thanks so much!!!

  57. Marty says:

    This sounds amazing! ! What can I use instead of onion soup mix?

  58. Cyd says:

    You can make your own onion soup mix if you don't have any. Here are the ingredients you will need:For every ¼ cup of onion soup mix in a recipe, you can combine 3 tablespoons of minced onion flakes, 2 tablespoons of beef bouillon powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon parsley flakes, 1/8 teaspoon ground celery seeds, and a pinch each of black pepper, sweet paprika, and salt.

  59. Paula says:

    Back in the day (I'm showing my age on this!), we used to call this bride's chicken...and we used Italian dressing (I always used the robust Italian dressing from Wishbone)

  60. jack says:

    Could you tell me the weight amount of the meat or chicken.

  61. Cyd says:

    Probably close to 3 pounds. It just depends on the size of your chicken breasts. On the average, a chicken breast can weigh anywhere from 6 to 8 ounces. Hope this helps.

  62. Julia S. says:

    My go to recipe for almost 6 years now. Everyone always wants to know the recipe!

    Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (8)

  63. Momma Cyd says:

    Thanks Julia. You are so sweet and made our whole week!!

  64. Lisa G says:

    Wonder if this could be turned into a freezer meal and/or instant pot recipe.

  65. Momma Cyd says:

    I think this could easily be made into a freezer meal.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (9)

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Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook crockpot chicken on high or low? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

The connective tissue is turned to gelatin after slow cooking in moist heat for several hours. That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker.

Is 3 hours in slow cooker enough for chicken? ›

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

How long to leave chicken in crockpot on low? ›

Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

The only difference between the HIGH and LOW setting on a slow cooker is the amount of time it takes to reach the simmer point, or temperature at which the contents of the appliance are being cooked at. The LOW setting takes longer than the HIGH setting.

How long does it take to cook chicken in a slow cooker? ›

Cover the Crock-Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat. Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts on low heat typically takes about 4-6 hours.

Why is my chicken tough after cooking in crockpot? ›

The meat was overcooked: Slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize meat, but if the meat is cooked for too long, it can become overcooked and tough. It's important to follow the recommended cooking time for your recipe to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct doneness.

Why is my chicken rubbery after crockpot? ›

Aside from accidentally overcooking the meals, the most common reason we see for tough, rubbery, or overdone chicken is customers using a Crockpot that is far too big. Each of our meals comes with a recommended slow cooker size.

Why does chicken get rubbery in slow cooker? ›

It's easy to throw in an Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup or shred it in Healthy Chicken Enchiladas. Rubbery chicken is usually an indicator of overcooked chicken. The longer the chicken cooks, the more moisture it loses, and without moisture, the protein fibers become elastic, AKA rubbery.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you most certainly can cook raw meat in the slow cooker! You put it in “cold”, with whatever liquid your recipe calls for, turn it on either “low” or “high” depending on your recipe (I usually start it on “high” for a couple hours, then turn it to “low”), and in 6–7–8 hours, it's now COOKED meat!

How do you know when chicken is done in a slow cooker? ›

Temp it! If the chicken is around 165 f or so, you have cooked chicken. My concern here is that if you have pink chicken after 8 hours of cooking, you might not have hit the "165 f in four hours" benchmark, which could mean that your meal could be potentially hazardous.

Is 3 hours on high the same as 6 on low crockpot? ›

Change cooking times depending on your schedule. One hour on HIGH generally equals two hours on LOW. Add pasta at the end of the cooking process or it may become mushy. You may want to cook pasta seperatly and add it just before serving.

Can you leave chicken in a slow cooker all night? ›

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

How long is too long for chicken in crockpot? ›

However, there is a limit to how long you can cook chicken in a slow cooker. After 10 hours, the chicken will start to dry out and become tough. If you want to cook chicken in a slow cooker for 10 hours, it's best to use a recipe that calls for chicken breasts or thighs.

How long should you cook chicken in the crockpot on high? ›

Why Cook a Whole Chicken in a Crock Pot?
  1. Easy Meal Idea. ...
  2. Healthier Alternative to Store Bought Rotisserie Chicken. ...
  3. Cook Once, Eat Multiple Times. ...
  4. Step 1: Chop and Add Onion. ...
  5. Step 2: Mix Chicken Seasoning in a Small Bowl. ...
  6. Step 3: Season the Whole Chicken. ...
  7. Step 4: Cook on High for 4-5 Hours or Low 7-8 Hours.
Aug 21, 2022

Should slow cooker be on low or high times? ›

If a dish usually takes: 15-30 mins, cook it for 1-2 hours on High or 4-6 hours on Low. 30 mins – 1 hour, cook it for 2-3 hours on High or 5-7 hours on Low. 1-2 hours, cook it for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.

How do I keep chicken from drying out in the crockpot? ›

Using a nice, long, low-and-slow cook time helps chicken breasts retain plenty of moisture - but you can certainly opt to add a splash of water or chicken stock to the crockpot if you like!

Do I cook chicken on low medium or high? ›

How to Cook Chicken Breasts in a Pan. Cook a boneless, skinless chicken breast over medium-high heat in a pan that's wide and deep to accommodate the chicken and keep splatter to a minimum. Flip the chicken after 5 minutes (don't poke, prod, wiggle, or try to flip).

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