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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Chicken » Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

by Sarah Olson on March 3, 2023 | Updated April 27, 2023 28 Comments

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Collage of apricot chicken with text of what the ingredients are.
collage of apricot chicken images for facebook.
2 images of apricot chicken with text for pinterest.
2 forks shredding chicken in a slow cooker.
Apricot chicken images with text of what the ingredients are for facebook.
3 images of apricot chicken with text for pinterest.

Give your shredded chicken a completely new taste with this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe. Apricot preserves are mixed with classic Catalina dressing for a sweet and savory sauce mix that is absolutely delicious. Take the guesswork out of what to cook for dinner tonight and give this easy recipe a try.

Pair this apricot chicken with my Slow Cooker Honey Butter Rolls and a side of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese.

Shredded apricot chicken in a slow cooker.

Why this apricot chicken recipe works

Putting a delicious meal on the dinner table shouldn’t be stressful. Whether you’re looking for something quick for busy weeknights or something to bring to a potluck, this crockpot apricot chicken recipe has you covered. With a quick prep time and cook time, you can start this meal in the morning and have it ready by dinner.

The ingredients are minimal and are considered some of the most common pantry staples that can easily be found at your local grocery store. This is one of those crockpot recipes to keep on hand when you’re looking for a dump-and-go main course that pairs with just about anything.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for apricot chicken on a table.
  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts soak up the flavors of the preserves, dressing, and seasoning and are also easy to shred.
  • Apricot Jam: Use any brand you prefer. Some of the most popular are Bonne Maman, Smucker’s, and Galil.
  • Catalina Dressing: This dressing is similar to a sweet tomato flavor, which is why it’s ideal to use in salads, pasta salads, burgers, and chicken.
  • Seasonings: Onion soup mix, red pepper flakes, and black pepper add great flavor to the chicken and marry perfectly with the dressing and jam.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images showing how to make apricot chicken in a slow cooker.

Step One – Place the chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step Two – Add the apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step Three – Stir the sauce ingredients together over the chicken. Cover and cook chicken on LOW for 6 hours.

Step Four – Shred the chicken with two forks or leave the chicken breasts or thighs whole. Serve and enjoy!

apricot chicken with a spoon in it.

How to serve

  • One of the most common ways to serve this shredded chicken is over a bed of cooked white rice or brown rice.
  • Turn this meal into a tasty fun meal by serving it as sandwiches on white bread, Italian bread, or hoagie buns.
  • This chicken also pairs well with baked beans, a green salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and/or a fruit salad.
Cooked apricot chicken on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs will cook and shred just the same as using chicken breasts.

How do I get the grease from the top of the sauce?

I do this by taking a paper towel and laying it flat over the sauce. I pull up the paper towel after a few seconds and all the grease sticks to the paper towel. Easy peasy.

Are there other preserves that can be used in substitution for apricot?

Although this recipe is “apricot” chicken, you can play around with different jam flavors such as pineapple jam, peach jam, or strawberry jam.

Can I change up the dressing?

Deviating from the original recipe will result in different tastes and flavors. Same as the jam substitutions, you can play around with using French dressing, Russian dressing, or ranch dressing.

How can I make this recipe more hearty?

You can add fresh apricots, add onions that have been sliced or diced, and green bell peppers.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed throughout.

Overhead shot of apricot chicken on rice.

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apricot chicken with a spoon in it.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

4.97 from 30 votes
Only 4 ingredients to this sweet and tangy apricot chicken.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 5
Calories: 548kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 4 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
  • 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix
  • 1/8 tsp. black pepper
  • 2 pinches red pepper flakes optional
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Place the chicken in to the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the apricot preserves, Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, pepper and pepper flakes. Stir the sauce ingredients together over the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
  • I like to de-grease the sauce before serving. I do this by taking a paper towel and laying it flat over the sauce. I pull up the paper towel after a few seconds and all the grease sticks to the paper towel. Easy peasy.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks or leave the chicken breasts or thighs whole.
  • Serve with rice.
  • Enjoy!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

  • Store any leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over medium heat on the stovetop until warmed throughout.
  • Other jams that can be used are peach, pineapple or even strawberry.
  • Other serving ideas are on buns or over mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 61g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 301mg | Sodium: 1357mg | Potassium: 818mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2.6mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More chicken recipes for your slow cooker:

  • Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Wraps
  • Slow Cooke Orange Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Greek Drumsticks
  • Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken
  • Slow Cooker One Pot Chicken Burrito Filling

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    9072 shares
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    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Steve French says

      March 8, 2023 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      I used orange marmalade and half cup of soy sauce.

      Reply
    2. Karen says

      March 4, 2023 at 10:09 am

      Used to call this “Not the Same Old Chicken.” Same recipe ingredients except pineapple preserves instead of apricot. So good.

      Reply
    3. Wanda Bean says

      September 26, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      5 stars
      I have not tried this recipe yet. But I will soon. I have a recipe that I have been making in the oven. The only thing that I changed in my recipe and will do to this. I added pineapple tidbits.

      Reply
    4. Natalie Odom says

      December 21, 2021 at 4:23 pm

      5 stars
      So pleased! Talk about easy! As a working Mom, I am so thankful for easy ingredients, delicious eats and easy prep!!

      Reply
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