Everyone loves a home-cooked meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also delicious, right? Then, Apricot Chicken is definitely the meal for you! It’s a delightful dish that will have your family asking for seconds. Here’s how you can make it, and trust me, it’s as easy as pie!
Apricot Chicken – A Family Favorite
Apricot Chicken is a fantastic dish that’s both sweet and savory, all thanks to the apricot jam and Russian dressing. This might sound like an odd combination, but it works wonderfully! The sauce has a perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and a hint of spice that glazes the chicken just right. The best part? It’s a slow-cooker meal – perfect for those busy days when you can’t stand by the stove.
This recipe was introduced to me by a friend last summer. I was skeptical about the apricot jam at first, but, to my surprise, it was love at first bite! Since then, it’s been my go-to for stress-free dinners. Plus, it’s even a hit with my little one, who’s quite a picky eater. If she approves, then I know it’s a winner!
Ingredients for Apricot Chicken
The ingredients for this dish are simple and easy to find. You’ll need Apricot Preserves or jam, your favourite Russian Dressing (I’m partial to Wishbone), Dry Onion Soup Mix to add that savory kick, Chicken Thighs (feel free to use either bone-in or boneless, or even chicken breasts), and some Cooking Oil for browning the chicken.
How to Make Apricot Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Making this dish is a breeze. Aside from the slow cooker, you’ll only need to brown the chicken quickly to enhance its flavor. Here’s how:
- Mix the preserves, dressing, and soup mix in a medium bowl.
- Optional but recommended: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown each side in a skillet with heated oil for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Tips and Tricks
- If you prefer a juicier chicken, use bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs.
- Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor. It’s worth the extra step!
- Can’t find apricot jam? No problem! Try using pineapple, mango, orange, or peach preserves. A mix of apricot and peach or pineapple can also work great.
- If Russian dressing is hard to come by, try using Catalina or French Dressing.
- You can also add baby Yukon or red potatoes for a complete meal.
- Not a chicken fan? Try it with pork chops!
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apricot Chicken makes for a flavorful meal later on. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and enjoy!
Try out this Apricot Chicken recipe, and I guarantee it will make your busy days a lot more delicious!