Apricot Hickory BBQ Chicken Bites: Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner

This apricot hickory BBQ chicken is the definition of effortless: just cube some chicken, dump in apricot preserves, sweet onion, and hickory BBQ sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

The result is a sticky, glossy, sweet-and-smoky dish that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice for a dinner that feels special but takes minutes of hands-on time.

Slow cooker recipes don't get much simpler than this. With just five ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can have tender, juicy chicken bites coated in a rich, caramelized apricot-hickory glaze.

The apricot preserves melt into the sauce, adding a fruity sweetness that balances the smoky BBQ. The onions soften and melt into the sauce, creating a silky texture. This is a weeknight hero that also works for casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The low, slow heat of the slow cooker breaks down the chicken breast cubes gently, keeping them moist and tender.

Unlike high-heat cooking, which can dry out lean poultry, the gentle simmer allows the chicken to absorb the sweet and smoky flavors while staying juicy. The apricot preserves and BBQ sauce create a thick, glossy glaze that clings to every bite.

Because everything cooks together in one pot, the flavors meld and deepen over time. The onion releases its natural sweetness, the preserves add a fruity brightness, and the BBQ sauce contributes a hickory-smoked depth. The result is a complex, layered sauce that you'd think took hours of stirring — but it all happens on its own.

Notes and substitutions

Use a good-quality apricot preserves — the kind with visible fruit pieces. The preserves are the backbone of the sauce, so avoid jelly, which lacks the same texture and flavor.

Vidalia or other sweet onions are ideal, but a yellow onion will work in a pinch. For the BBQ sauce, choose a hickory-smoked variety with brown sugar for the best sweet-smoky balance.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you check your BBQ sauce label. Many store-bought sauces contain gluten, so read the ingredients carefully. To make it dairy-free, ensure your BBQ sauce is dairy-free (most are). The chicken can be swapped for thighs for extra juiciness, but adjust the cooking time slightly and always check for doneness.

• chicken breasts: boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes (cook time may be similar; check for doneness)
• apricot preserves: peach preserves or orange marmalade for a different fruity note
• hickory BBQ sauce: any smoky BBQ sauce; use a sweet and smoky variety for best results
• jasmine rice: white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring cups
• Serving spoon