Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Oh, where do I start with this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken? This dish is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. I stumbled upon it during a particularly busy week, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. Imagine arriving home to the rich, sweet-and-savory aroma wafting through your house, with the comforting knowledge that dinner is already taken care of. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, leaving you free to catch up on your favorite show or enjoy some well-deserved downtime.

What makes this recipe special

This recipe combines the delightful tanginess of cranberry sauce with the buttery sweetness of apricot preserves, balanced out with a packet of onion soup mix that adds depth and savory goodness. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance together in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. The best part? It’s one of those all-in-one wonders that cooks itself. You can toss it in the Crockpot, set it, and forget it for hours while it transforms into a beautifully tender dish. Perfect for family dinners or impressing friends, this dish is easy to prepare yet tastes like it took hours in the kitchen. Plus, did I mention it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed veggies? This isn’t just dinner; it’s a complete experience!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients because they’re essential for making this dish a knockout:

• 4 chicken breasts: You want skinless, boneless chicken here. They soak up all that glorious sauce and become tender and flavorful as they cook. If you’re in a pinch, you can use thighs or whatever part you have on hand—just be mindful of cooking times.

• 1 cup cranberry sauce: This could be homemade or store-bought. Either way, the tangy notes of cranberry will beautifully complement the sweetness of the apricot.

• 1 cup apricot preserves: For a luscious sweetness that complements the savory notes. If you want to get a little adventurous, try peach or orange marmalade—those can give a lovely twist!

• 1 packet onion soup mix: This is your flavor powerhouse! It adds a depth that’s hard to replicate with fresh ingredients alone.

• Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning enhances all those delicious flavors.

The cooking process explained

Now let’s dive into how this all comes together seamlessly:

1. Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts firmly in the Crockpot. No need to fuss about too much; just layer them down, like you’re tucking them into bed.

2. Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, and the onion soup mix. Give it a good stir until it’s all blended and you’re greeted by the tantalizing aroma.

3. Pour it on: Drizzle this scrumptious mixture over your chicken, making sure each piece gets a nice, cozy blanket of sauce.

4. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the top to your taste. Just a pinch of each goes a long way in elevating the flavors.

5. Set it to cook: Cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is where the magic happens—the chicken will turn tender and infused with those delicious flavors.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once done, serve your chicken with a side of fluffy rice or some sautéed veggies, ensuring you ladle on that remaining sauce for added flavor.

Best way to enjoy it

There are infinite ways to savor this delight. I adore serving it over a generous scoop of white or brown rice, allowing the rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It also pairs beautifully with steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance out the sweetness. For a fusion vibe, why not toss together a fresh, zesty coleslaw with hints of lime? That crunch perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Now, let’s chat about the aftermath—leftovers!

• Storage: If you have any remaining chicken (if you’re lucky enough to have some left!), allow it to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze it too! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It’ll be a lifesaver on a busy night. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few insider tips gleaned from years of kitchen experimentation:

• Always taste your sauce before pouring. If you love tartness, add a little more cranberry; prefer it sweeter? A touch more apricot should do the trick!

• Don’t skip seasoning the chicken! It may seem simple, but trust me, it makes a significant difference in flavor.

• If you want an added layer of richness, consider browning your chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the Crockpot. It’s not necessary, but oh-so-delicious!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Mix it up! Here are a few variations you could try:

• Add spices: Sprinkle in some ginger or cinnamon for a holiday-inspired dish.

• Try different fruit preserves: Swap apricot for peach, mango, or even a zingy cherry preserve.

• Vegetable add-ins: Toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots into the Crockpot for an easy one-pot meal.

Ingredients list

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. Place chicken breasts in the Crockpot.
2. Mix cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix in a bowl.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve with rice or vegetables.

Your questions answered

• What’s the prep time?: This dish is lightning-fast; you can get everything ready in about 10-15 minutes.

• Can I use frozen chicken?: Yes, but increase the cooking time to 8-10 hours on low!

• How do I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

• Is it suitable for meal prep?: Absolutely! Portion it out for the week’s lunches.

• Can I make this in the oven?: Yes, but you’d need to adjust the cooking time—it should ever be baked at 350°F for about 30-40 min or until cooked through.

Let me tell you, this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken might just be the easiest way to create a deliciously comforting meal! As you sink your teeth into that tender chicken, each bite bursting with flavor, you’ll see why this recipe holds such a special place in my heart. So go ahead, give it a whirl! Experiment, make it your own, and I’d love for you to share your tales with me in the comments! We’re all in this lovely cooking journey together.

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Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Recipes Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 38 mins Total Time 21 hrs 38 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce made with cranberry sauce and apricot preserves, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup apricot preserves (can substitute with peach or orange marmalade)
• 1 packet onion soup mix (adds depth of flavor)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Place the chicken breasts firmly in the Crockpot.
   Layer them down without fussing too much.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix the Sauce

   In a medium bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix. Stir until blended.
   Be greeted by the tantalizing aroma.
   Mark as complete

3. Pour the Sauce

   Drizzle the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
   Mark as complete

4. Season

   Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the top.
   Just a pinch goes a long way in flavoring.
   Mark as complete

5. Cook

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
   The chicken will be tender and infused with delicious flavors.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve with a side of fluffy rice or sautéed veggies, ladling on remaining sauce for added flavor.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 45g15%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 30g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Pairs well with rice or steamed veggies.

Keywords: Crockpot, Chicken, Cranberry, Apricot, Easy Dinner