Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of sweet, tangy, and savory chicken that practically melts in your mouth! This Apricot Orange Slow Cooker Chicken is not just a meal, it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a gourmet masterpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that impresses family and guests alike.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, orange juice, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined and smooth.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the prepared apricot-orange sauce evenly over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting, allowing the chicken to cook slowly for 6 hours until the meat is tender and easily falls apart.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving platter.
- Optional: If desired, reduce the remaining sauce in the slow cooker by setting it to high and simmering uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Spoon the reduced sauce over the chicken thighs before serving, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if preferred.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a better sear and more flavorful exterior.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the low and slow method is key to achieving incredibly tender meat.
- For a slightly crispy finish, consider broiling the chicken for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
- Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 434kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
