Crockpot Vintage Apricot Chicken Thighs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more concentrated flavor, you can sear the chicken thighs in a skillet over high heat for two minutes per side before placing them in the slow cooker. While not strictly necessary, this extra step adds a layer of depth to the final sauce. If you choose to do this, ensure the skillet is hot and the chicken is patted dry to achieve a good sear. This technique is optional and depends on how much time you have available for preparation.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the chicken and set the slow cooker to a higher heat setting (if available) or transfer the sauce to a small saucepan.

Simmering the liquid for a few minutes will help it thicken further. Be sure to watch it closely, as the high sugar content in the apricot sauce means it can scorch if left unattended for too long. This creates an even more intense glaze for the chicken.

Variations

• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the apricot mixture before cooking. This adds a subtle heat that cuts through the sweetness of the preserves.
• Savory Herb Infusion: Incorporate a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary leaves when adding the onion soup mix. The herbal notes pair beautifully with the apricot and add a sophisticated aroma to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a splash of water if the sauce appears too thick.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature, but do not leave it out for longer than two hours. When storing, keep the chicken and the sauce together in the same container to help the meat retain its moisture and flavor. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness and ensure it is consumed within the recommended timeframe.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead meals. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process.

This saves time during busy mornings. If starting from a cold insert, you may need to add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to the total cooking time to allow the pot and contents to reach the proper temperature.

Serving ideas

Serve the apricot chicken hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of the thickened sauce and tender onions. This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that can soak up the extra sauce, such as steamed white rice, fluffy quinoa, or even a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

The sweetness of the apricot balances well with the saltiness of the onion soup mix, making it a versatile meal that works for casual family dinners.

Consider serving the chicken with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to contrast the tender texture of the meat. If you are serving a larger group, you can easily double the recipe, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken in a single layer.

The leftovers are also great for lunch the next day, as the flavors often intensify after sitting in the refrigerator overnight. Always serve immediately after the resting period for the best texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Vintage Apricot Chicken Thighs

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup apricot sauce

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in skinless chicken thighs in the base of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Scatter the sliced onion half-moons over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the insert to provide flavor to the base of the sauce.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and onions. Top the mixture by spooning the apricot sauce over the entire dish, making sure to coat the chicken thighs thoroughly for the best flavor penetration during the long, slow braising process.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken carefully and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving with the thickened apricot and onion sauce from the bottom of the pot.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

28.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1.2 g

Sugar

24 g

Sodium

750 mg

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