Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken

This Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken is a wonderfully simple comfort-food dinner with tender chicken simmered in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce. The combination of apricot preserves, savory seasonings, and a few pantry staples creates a glossy sauce that coats every bite.

It is an easy meal for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without standing over the stove. Let the slow cooker do the work, then spoon the tender chicken and sweet-savory sauce over rice or mashed potatoes.

Why This Recipe Works

The slow cooker gives the chicken plenty of time to become tender while the apricot-based sauce develops a rich sweet-and-savory flavor. Apricot preserves provide sweetness and fruitiness, while the savory ingredients balance the sauce so the finished dish does not taste like dessert.

The recipe also uses everyday ingredients, making it an excellent pantry-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup Russian dressing or Catalina dressing
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil, optional for browning
Fresh parsley, optional for garnish

How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken

Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season lightly with garlic powder and black pepper.
If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly brown the chicken on both sides. This step is optional but adds extra savory flavor.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Russian or Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, and Dijon mustard.
Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes.
Stir the sauce in the slow cooker until smooth.
Spoon plenty of the warm apricot sauce over the chicken before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Best Chicken to Use

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient and lean, but boneless chicken thighs work beautifully too. Thighs stay especially juicy during slow cooking and pair wonderfully with the sweet apricot sauce.

If using very large chicken breasts, consider cutting them in half horizontally so they cook more evenly.

What to Serve with Apricot Chicken

Serve this chicken over fluffy white rice, brown rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. The starches are perfect for soaking up the extra apricot sauce.

For vegetables, try steamed green beans, roasted carrots, broccoli, or glazed baby carrots. A simple side salad also balances the sweetness of the sauce.

Make the Sauce More Savory

If you prefer a less sweet flavor, reduce the apricot preserves slightly and add an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard. A splash of low-sodium soy sauce also adds a deeper savory note.

For a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper.

Can I Add Vegetables?

Yes. Sliced onions, bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli all work well with the apricot sauce. Add firmer vegetables early in the cooking process, while delicate vegetables such as broccoli are better added toward the end.

Storage and Reheating

Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.

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