This is one of my all-time favorite meals, slow cooker Apricot Chicken Without French Onion Soup is a fantastic meal made with chicken, tinned apricots, butter, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.

To make Apricot Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, place chicken in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours until tender.

The chicken soaks up the apricot sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious. I like to serve it with coconut rice or roasted sweet potatoes for a perfect dinner.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Can I use dried apricots instead of tinned apricots?

Yes, you can use dried apricots, but you need to rehydrate them first. Soak the dried apricots in warm water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the recipe. This will ensure they blend smoothly with the other ingredients.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Without French Onion Soup Ingredients

• 1 brown onion
• 30 g of butter
• 825 mL of tinned apricots (including juice)
• 2 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of paprika
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp of onion powder
• 1/2 tsp of curry powder
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 3 tbsp of cornflour
• 4 chicken breasts or 8 chicken legs (thighs can also be used)

How To Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Without French Onion Soup

1. Prepare the onion: Peel and quarter the brown onion, then add it to a mixing jug and blitz for 3 seconds at speed 5 until it is roughly chopped.
2. Cook the onion: Add the butter to the jug with the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes at 100°C on speed 2, stirring occasionally to ensure the onion softens evenly.
3. Prepare the apricots: Add the tinned apricots, including the juice, to the jug, and chop the mixture for 10 seconds at speed 6 until it becomes smooth and well combined.
4. Combine the ingredients: Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, curry powder, dried thyme, and cornflour to the apricot mixture. Mix for 5 seconds at speed 4 until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
5. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts, legs, or thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the apricot sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated with the sauce.
6. Cook the chicken: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the chicken for 6-8 hours, or until it is tender and fully cooked through, occasionally basting the chicken with the sauce to enhance the flavor.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, mix a bit more cornflour with water. Stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help the sauce reach the desired consistency without becoming too thick.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh chicken instead of frozen, which helps the chicken cook more evenly and retain its juiciness.
• Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30 minutes.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. A bit more salt or paprika can enhance the flavors.
• Serve immediately: Serve the apricot chicken immediately after cooking for the best taste.

Recipe Variations

• Add vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the slow cooker. This will add extra nutrition and variety to the dish.
• Spice it up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. This will give the dish a bit of heat without overpowering the apricot flavor.
• Use different fruits: Substitute the apricots with peaches or pineapple for a different fruity flavor. These fruits pair well with the spices and chicken.
• Try bone-in chicken: Use bone-in chicken thighs or legs for a richer flavor. The bones add depth to the sauce as the chicken cooks.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking. This will create a creamy version of the apricot chicken that’s extra comforting.

What To Serve With Apricot Chicken

Serve your Apricot Chicken with coconut rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or mint and pea salad for a bright contrast.

You can also try garlic and herb farro for a nutty, chewy grain option, or grilled asparagus with lemon zest complements the apricot chicken beautifully.

How To Store Leftover Apricot Chicken

In The Fridge:

Place the leftover Apricot Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation. I always prefer storing it on a middle shelf for even cooling.

In The Freezer:

Store the cooled Apricot Chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure the chicken is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Apricot Chicken

Reheat your leftover Apricot Chicken on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it on medium power for about two minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Spiced Apricot Lamb Tagine
• Slow Cooker Healthy Chicken Korma
• Slow Cooker Coronation Chicken Curry