Are you craving a flavorful, yet effortless dinner recipe? Look no further! This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, bathed in a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, will become a family favorite in no time. It's a healthy, delicious dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for those seeking quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking solutions. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Combine the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, chicken broth, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour over chicken: Pour the apricot sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred (optional): For an easier meal, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks once it's cooked.
- Serve: Serve the apricot chicken over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Tips for the Best Apricot Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken breasts for even cooking. If needed, cook in two batches.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of apricot preserves or honey. Conversely, add more for a sweeter glaze.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it in the morning for a delicious dinner ready when you get home.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or onions along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
- Use different fruit preserves: Experiment with other fruit preserves, such as peach or mango, for a unique flavor profile.
- Serve with different grains: Instead of rice or quinoa, serve the chicken over couscous, noodles, or mashed sweet potatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This slow cooker apricot chicken recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy and healthy. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this simple, yet flavorful dinner recipe! It’s a great option for quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking that the whole family will love. This recipe consistently ranks among the best recipes for its ease of preparation and fantastic flavor.