Dinner · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Apricot Honey Soy Chicken Bites: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Name: Apricot Honey Soy Chicken Bites: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup apricot preserves; 1 medium sweet onion (such as Vidalia), diced; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; Steamed basmati rice, for serving

By Clara Weller · Oct 28, 2026

Glazed chicken bites in a slow cooker with apricot-onion ribbons and a sticky amber sauce

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 3 h
Total: 3 h 10 min
Serves: 4

Tips for success

For the most flavorful chicken, use a good-quality apricot preserves with real fruit. The preserves melt into the sauce, but if you prefer a smoother glaze, you can puree the preserves before adding.

If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other ingredients. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the sweetness to your taste.

To make the sauce even thicker, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for 10 minutes. This is optional, as the sauce is already quite thick.

Also, be sure to use a slow cooker that is not too large; a 6-quart works well. If your slow cooker runs hot, check the chicken at 2.5 hours to prevent overcooking.

Variations

Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced fresh chili along with the other ingredients. The heat balances the sweetness nicely. For extra spice, drizzle with sriracha before serving.
Ginger-Sesame Twist: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil to the slow cooker. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. The ginger adds a fresh, zesty note.
Pineapple Apricot Chicken: Replace half of the apricot preserves with crushed pineapple, drained. The pineapple adds a tropical tang and extra moisture. Serve over coconut rice for a summery twist.
Garlic-Herb Version: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary. The garlic deepens the savory flavor, while herbs add an earthy note. This version works well with chicken thighs.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash of water when reheating to loosen it.
Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring, until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious.

To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until hot. Or reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it, then start it in the morning. If you do this, add 30 minutes to the cook time. Alternatively, cook the chicken ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and serve over fresh rice.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken bites over steamed basmati rice to soak up the glossy sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple green salad.

The sweet-savory glaze also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.

This dish is also great in lettuce wraps, as a filling for tacos, or spooned over noodles. The sticky glaze makes it versatile. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or alongside sautéed greens. The chicken is flavorful enough to stand alone, but the sauce is so good you will want something to soak it up.

Frequently asked questions

Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They are more forgiving and tend to stay moist even if cooked a bit longer. You can use the same amount and cook time, or extend to 4 hours for extra tenderness.

Can the sauce be thickened?

If the sauce seems too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker, then cook for 15 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, it contains soy sauce, which typically contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. The recipe is otherwise naturally gluten-free.

Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3.5 to 4 hours. The longer refrigeration time allows the flavors to meld even more.

What can be served with this chicken?

Steamed rice is the classic choice, but it also pairs well with quinoa, couscous, or noodles. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad. The sweet-savory sauce also works as a glaze for roasted vegetables.

Recipe card

Apricot Honey Soy Chicken Bites: 5-Ingredient Crockpot Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup apricot preserves
1 medium sweet onion (such as Vidalia), diced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
Steamed basmati rice, for serving

Instructions

Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in an even layer. There is no need to season the chicken—the glaze will provide plenty of flavor.
Scatter the diced sweet onion over the chicken. The onion will soften and sweeten as it cooks, blending into the glaze.
Spoon the apricot preserves over the chicken and onion. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of preserves from the jar.
Drizzle the honey and soy sauce over the top. Do not stir—the layers will combine as the slow cooker heats.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will thin and then reduce slightly.
Gently stir the chicken and sauce to coat every piece in the sticky glaze. The onion will have softened into ribbons.
Spoon the chicken and glaze over steamed basmati rice. The rice soaks up the extra sauce beautifully.

Contains: soy, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories: 420
Protein: 35 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 8 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.

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This recipe is based on a short cooking video and is published under the pen name Clara Weller. It was checked before publication, but errors can slip through. Nutrition, when shown, is an estimate. Read more in our editorial policy and on our food safety page.