Apricot Chicken Bliss Slow Cooker Magic
Apricot Chicken Bliss Slow Cooker Magic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction: Apricot Chicken Bliss
Fancy a slow cooker recipe that's proper lush? This apricot chicken slow cooker sensation will be your new best mate. Sweet, savoury, and seriously simple, it's a winner for the whole family.
Quick Hook: Sweet and Savory Goodness
Ever craved a chicken recipe that's both comforting and bursting with flavour? This apricot chicken ticks all the boxes. The apricot glaze creates a lovely sweet-and-tangy experience.
Brief Overview: A Throwback with a Twist
This crockpot apricot chicken takes inspiration from classic recipes. It is a seriously easy recipe that's ready when you are.
This slow cooker recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner .
Main Benefits: Healthy Comfort
This slow cooker chicken is packed with protein. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need a tasty and stress-free meal.
What makes it so special? It is delicious and requires minimal effort.
Ready to get cooking? You can't go wrong with this apricot chicken slow cooker .
What Makes This Chicken Recipe So Special?
This isn't just any dinner recipe . Oh my gosh, you can simply chuck everything in and let the slow cooker do all the hard work.
The apricot jam and onion soup mix create a symphony of flavours.
Plus, it's super versatile. Need a gluten-free option? Just check your ingredients. Want to cut down on sugar? Use a sugar-free apricot jam substitute.
Ingredients: The Secret to Success
Here’s what you'll need to create this little masterpiece. I usually grab my chicken thighs from the local butcher. Quality ingredients make all the difference, innit?
Here's what you need: Chicken thighs , onion soup mix , apricot jam , French dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking the Apricot Chicken Code
Right, let's talk bits and bobs for this unreal apricot chicken slow cooker recipe. This isn't just any old chicken dinner, it's proper comfort food, and it all starts with having the right bits.
Seriously, this slow cooker recipe is so easy, even your nan could nail it!
Main Ingredients for Our Apricot Chicken Masterpiece
Okay, so for about 6 servings of this sweet and savory chicken goodness, here's what you need. First, you want about 1.
5 kg (3.3 lbs) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs . Chicken thighs are forgiving and don't dry out like breasts do in the slow cooker .
If you use breasts, cut them into chunks! Next, you'll need 1 packet (28g/1oz) of dry onion soup mix . It gives that classic flavour.
1 cup (240ml) of apricot jam is essential. A decent brand makes a difference. You'll also need ½ cup (120ml) of French dressing which is a key ingredient for that retro flavour.
Then, ¼ cup (60ml) of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce , 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard , and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder .
Add salt and pepper to your taste.
Flavour Boosters: Elevating Our Apricot Chicken
This apricot chicken uses apricot jam as its base, so quality counts. Go for a jam with a high fruit content.
If you don't have apricot jam, peach preserves work pretty well too. French dressing is a sneaky shortcut, but you could sub in apple cider vinegar for a tangier kick.
For a bit of heat, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce . If you want it richer, try honey for half of the apricot jam, too!
Kit List: What You'll Need
Honestly, you don’t need loads of fancy stuff to make this slow cooker chicken recipe . Obvs, you need a slow cooker (at least a 6-quart one).
I used my trusty old Crockpot! You will also need measuring cups and spoons, and a whisk, for combining your sauce.
A mixing bowl helps to combine but you can go straight into the slow cooker to mix. That's it! So simple! Let's make some apricot chicken with rice , shall we?.
It's a guaranteed easy chicken dinner , perfect for a busy weeknight dinner !
Right, let's dive into making some proper tasty apricot chicken slow cooker magic! This isn't just any slow cooker recipe ; it's that sweet and savory hug-in-a-bowl kinda vibe.
Perfect for when you fancy a bit of comfort food , know what I mean? I'm thinking fluffy rice on the side, maybe some green beans or broccoli .
Apricot Chicken Bliss: Slow Cooker Magic
Fancy an easy chicken dinner that'll have everyone licking their plates? This is it! Tender chicken thighs (or breasts, if you’re feeling fancy), swimming in a sweet and savory apricot glaze , plus that retro hint of onion soup mix .
It’s pure sweet and savory chicken perfection, and a brilliant weeknight dinner solution. Honestly, it's like a lazy Sunday roast, but on a Tuesday.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, let's get organized! This easy recipe only needs about 15 minutes prep time. Get your chicken thighs (about 1.
5 kg) out and give them a good season with salt and pepper. Grab your apricot jam (1 cup), French dressing (½ cup, that Kraft stuff works a treat), ketchup (¼ cup), and all the other bits: Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon), Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), and the onion soup mix (1 packet).
No need to chop anything – winning! Safety-wise, just make sure you wash your hands after handling raw chicken, yeah?
Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Simplicity
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together the apricot jam , onion soup mix , French dressing , ketchup , Worcestershire sauce , Dijon mustard , and garlic powder in a bowl. No bowl? Just mix it in the slow cooker , no stress!
- Chuck the chicken into the slow cooker .
- Pour that gorgeous apricot glaze over the chicken , making sure it's all nicely coated.
- Cover it up and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . The chicken should be cooked through and easy to shred. Job done!
- Shred the chicken and then this dish will be ready to be served
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Apricot Chicken
Want to take this apricot chicken slow cooker recipe to the next level? Here's a couple of cheats. Don't overcook the chicken! Especially chicken breast, as it'll go dry.
Chicken thighs are more forgiving. Fancy a bit of a kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the apricot glaze .
Want that extra depth of flavour? Brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker . Just a quick sear for that caramelisation.
So there you have it – your fast track to tasty, easy apricot chicken with rice . Enjoy!
Right, let's chat about making this Apricot Chicken Slow Cooker recipe even more awesome! This section is all about tweaking it to your taste and making sure it fits your lifestyle.
Think of it as the "choose your own adventure" part of the recipe.
Recipe Notes: Making It Yours
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate!
Okay, so you've got this amazing apricot chicken . How do you make it look like a proper restaurant meal? First off, plating matters! Serve your apricot chicken with rice , maybe a bed of fluffy basmati.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders. And don't forget your greens! Steamed green beans or broccoli are classics. A simple green salad adds a fresh contrast.
You know? Want to cut through the sweetness? Try a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigeration is your best friend. Pop that slow cooker chicken into an airtight container and it'll be good for 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! Just make sure it's cooled completely first. When you're ready to eat, defrost it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Honestly, it tastes just as good the next day, maybe even better.
Variations: Spicing Things Up (Or Down)!
Fancy a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the apricot glaze will wake things up. Or maybe a dash of hot sauce , if you're feeling brave.
If you're watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar-free apricot jam . It still tastes great, I promise! You could even swap the apricot jam for peach preserves .
Apple cider vinegar may be substituted for the French dressing. It's all about experimenting and finding what you love. Plus it makes the recipe gluten-free
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Let's break it down. This apricot chicken is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken thighs . It's also got some carbs from the apricot jam and rice .
But hey, everything in moderation, right? Think about it, you are eating a very satisfying family dinner that everyone loves.
This sweet and savory chicken is a winner. For the nutritionally minded folks, each serving is approx. 450-500 calories with 40-45g of protein.
This apricot chicken slow cooker recipe is so versatile and easy, even a complete beginner can nail it. Once you've made this easy chicken dinner once, you can start trying new flavors.
Just have fun and remember, cooking should be enjoyable! So grab your slow cooker recipe and your chicken thighs , and get ready to wow your family with this easy recipe .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this apricot chicken slow cooker recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this slow cooker recipe. Just be mindful that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily, so keep an eye on the cooking time. Shred the chicken before serving to make it extra tender. Nobody wants dry chicken – that's worse than a soggy biscuit!
My apricot chicken slow cooker sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?
No worries, a thin sauce is an easy fix! Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. This trick works like a charm, even Mary Berry would be impressed!
How long can I store leftover apricot chicken slow cooker?
Leftover apricot chicken is fantastic the next day (or two!). Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled down completely before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. It's almost as good as a cheeky Nando's the next day!
Is this apricot chicken slow cooker recipe healthy? What about the sugar content?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet. However, it does contain a fair amount of sugar from the apricot jam and French dressing. To make it healthier, you could use a sugar-free apricot jam substitute or reduce the amount of jam used. Serving it with plenty of vegetables, like steamed broccoli or a fresh salad, will also help balance out the meal. Remember, moderation is key, like a Sunday roast – lovely, but not every day!
Can I add any vegetables to the apricot chicken slow cooker?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value of this dish. Try adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even chunks of pineapple to the slow cooker along with the chicken. They'll soak up all the delicious apricot flavour and add a lovely texture. Just chuck 'em in – it's all good, like adding extra chips to your Friday night takeaway!
I don't have French dressing. What can I substitute for this apricot chicken slow cooker recipe?
If you're all out of French dressing, don't fret! A good substitute would be a mixture of 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sugar or honey. This will give you a similar tangy-sweet flavour profile. It’s all about making do with what you’ve got, just like a proper British Bake Off contestant!
