Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, slow-cooked to tender perfection. With a tangy sauce featuring apricot preserves and cranberry, it makes an effortless and impressive meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt or powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 ½ cups apricot preserves
• 1 cup French dressing
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup frozen cranberries
• Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika.
3. Step 3: Season the chicken thighs all over with the spice mixture.
4. Step 4: Place the chicken in the hot skillet, skin side down, and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin turns golden.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, stir together apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar.
6. Step 6: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a slow cooker.
7. Step 7: Pour the sauce over the chicken and scatter frozen cranberries on top.
8. Step 8: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
9. Step 9: Garnish with parsley or extra cranberries before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mix for 30 minutes before searing.
• You can substitute frozen cranberries with fresh ones when in season for a brighter taste.
• Serve with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce mix for a bit more tanginess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs will work, but the cooking time may be shorter. Check for doneness earlier to avoid overcooking.

Is there a substitute for the French dressing?

If you don’t have French dressing, you can use a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and sugar or a mild vinaigrette to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is a flavorful and tender slow-cooked dish combining the sweetness of apricot preserves and cranberry sauce with a savory blend of spices. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, this recipe features seared bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich and fruity sauce, making it a delightful dish to serve for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt or powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter

Sauce

• 1 ½ cups apricot preserves
• 1 cup French dressing
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 cup frozen cranberries

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning and Sear Chicken: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Season the chicken thighs all over with this spice mixture. Place the chicken in the hot skillet skin side down and sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
2. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is searing, combine apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl. Stir well to create a smooth sauce mixture.
3. Transfer to Crockpot and Add Cranberries: Place the seared chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, then scatter the frozen cranberries on top.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and flavorful, allowing the sauce to thicken and infuse the chicken with fruity sweetness.
5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the chicken with fresh parsley or additional cranberries if desired. Serve hot as a delicious main dish alongside your favorite sides.

Notes

• For best results, use bone-in skin-on chicken thighs to retain moisture and flavor.
• If fresh parsley is unavailable, dried parsley or other fresh herbs like thyme can be used as garnish.
• For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
• To reduce sugar content, opt for low-sugar or natural cranberry sauce and apricot preserves.
• This dish can be prepared a day in advance; the flavors improve after resting overnight in the fridge.

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, cranberry apricot chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, fruit sauce chicken, easy chicken recipe, dinner crockpot recipe, comfort food chicken