If you’re craving a meal that tastes like it took hours of fuss, but in reality, it’s as simple as tossing ingredients into a slow cooker, you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken slowly bathed in a sugar-free, sweet, and tangy apricot glaze creates an irresistible entree that balances flavor, convenience, and healthiness perfectly. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers juicy chicken with a luscious sauce that’s low carb and keto-friendly, proving that comfort food can be both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of raw cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a bowl filled with pale pink raw chicken thighs. Around it, on the right side, two long orange carrots lay next to a clear bowl filled with green frozen green beans. Below the carrots, a white bowl contains several light brown mushrooms. To the left of the mushrooms, a whole purple onion sits next to a square piece of yellow butter. Above these, a small glass bowl holds white flour, and beside it, another small bowl contains yellow powder. A small clear bowl with salt and black pepper is placed near two garlic cloves. At the top left corner, two glass jars are filled with bright orange liquid and canned peaches, adding more color to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of accessible ingredients that each play a key role in building the rich, layered flavor and perfect texture of the dish. From the savory depth of soy sauce or coconut aminos to the fresh zing of garlic and apple cider vinegar, every element brings something special to the table.

6 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose whichever you prefer; thighs give more juiciness, breasts cook leaner but still tender.
1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves: The star ingredient that gives this dish its signature sweet and tangy glaze without added sugar.
1/4 cup soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds a salty, umami backbone and keeps this recipe gluten-free when using coconut aminos.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth essential for balanced flavor.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Lifts the overall taste with subtle acidity to brighten the glaze.
1 tbsp olive oil: Gives the sauce richness and smooth texture that clings to the chicken beautifully.
1/2 tsp ground ginger: Adds a gentle hint of spice and warmth for dimension.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors and make the chicken irresistible.

How to Make Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs or breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This simple step builds the foundation for flavor that will soak through the meat as it cooks low and slow.

Step 2: Prepare the Apricot Glaze

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar-free apricot preserves with soy sauce (or coconut aminos), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and ground ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. This glaze is the magic that will coat every piece of chicken in irresistible sweet and tang.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Pour the apricot glaze evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, gentle cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. By the end, the sauce will have thickened slightly, clinging to each piece like a sweet, tangy hug.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

The image shows six pieces of cooked chicken in a white pot, each piece covered in a shiny, thick, orange-brown sauce with a smooth texture. The chicken pieces vary slightly in size and shape, each coated evenly with the sauce that pools around them. Small green herb bits are sprinkled on top of the sauce, adding a touch of color contrast. The inside rim of the pot shows some sauce residues, and the bright white pot highlights the warm tones of the chicken and sauce well. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh, green pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nutty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the glaze.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe shines when paired with cauliflower rice to keep things low carb and light, or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus for a vibrant and healthy plate. The mild sides complement the flavorful chicken without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a visual wow factor, serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy quinoa or spiralized zucchini noodles. You can also drizzle any remaining glaze from the cooker over the top just before serving to make each bite extra indulgent. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the flavor and offers an optional burst of citrus zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover chicken and extra sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors often deepen after sitting overnight—making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

This apricot chicken freezes beautifully. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include plenty of sauce to protect the chicken. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in storage. Keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both work wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe. Just note that breasts may cook slightly faster and remain leaner, while thighs stay juicier.

Is there a way to make the sauce thicker?

Yes, if you prefer a thicker glaze, sprinkle in a small pinch of xanthan gum during the last 30 minutes of cooking or after cooking while reheating. Stir well to combine and thicken.

Can this recipe be made without a slow cooker?

You can adapt it to a stovetop by simmering the sauce with the chicken covered on low heat for about 45 minutes, but the slow cooker helps develop deeper flavor and incredibly tender chicken with minimal attention.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Definitely! Since it uses sugar-free apricot preserves and has a low-carb ingredient profile, it fits well into keto and low-carb meal plans without sacrificing any deliciousness.

How can I add some heat to this dish?

For a spicy twist, add chili flakes or a dash of mustard to the apricot glaze before cooking. The combination of sweet and heat is fantastic and will add another layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. It’s easy, fuss-free, and yields a reliably tender, flavorful meal that feels special but requires minimal effort. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becoming a fast favorite in your own kitchen as it is in mine!