Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken for an Easy Weeknight Meal

Oh, sweet friends, isn’t there something truly magical about a meal that promises comfort, warmth, and flavor, all while making your weeknight feel like a little celebration? That’s precisely what our Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken offers. It’s a symphony of tender chicken, tart cranberries, and sweet apricots, all slow-cooked to perfection, creating a dish that feels both effortlessly elegant and wonderfully homey. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen – pure bliss!

I remember those cozy afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the scent of her simmering dishes creating a warm hug that still lingers in my heart. She always said the best meals were made with patience and a touch of love, and this recipe truly embodies that spirit. It reminds me of how a simple act of cooking can transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special, a tradition I’ve carried into my own kitchen and shared with my family and friends over the years.

This delightful recipe is not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it a dream for busy weeknights, but it’s also wonderfully versatile and guaranteed to gather everyone around the table with happy smiles. My little secret? A good quality chicken broth makes all the difference in deepening those lovely flavors!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delectable dish begins with simple pantry staples, elevated by the bright burst of dried cranberries and the tender sweetness of dried apricots, all melding beautifully with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The magic of this Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken truly lies in how these humble ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements ready for you in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken

Preparing this comforting Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is a delightful journey of ease! You’ll begin by gathering and prepping your vibrant ingredients, then whisk together the simple yet flavorful sauce that will infuse our chicken with so much warmth. Next, everything nestles perfectly into your slow cooker, ready to transform over several hours into a tender, aromatic masterpiece that practically cooks itself.

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

A delightfully sweet and savory slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts bathed in a vibrant sauce of cranberries, apricots, and warm spices, perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Fruit

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4 medium-sized breasts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries sweetened
• 1/2 cup dried apricots chopped
• 1/2 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced

For the Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For Thickening (Optional)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water

For Garnish (Optional)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Method

 

Prepare Ingredients

1. Slice the yellow onion thinly and chop the dried apricots. Mince the garlic cloves.

Mix the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, ketchup, packed light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Crockpot

1. Place the sliced onion and chopped dried apricots evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the onion and apricots.
3. Sprinkle the dried cranberries and minced garlic over the chicken breasts.
4. Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.

Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.

Finish and Serve

1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and either shred them using two forks or slice them into desired pieces. Set aside.
2. If you prefer a thicker sauce, create a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has visibly thickened.
3. Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the slow cooker and toss gently to coat it thoroughly with the cranberry apricot sauce.
4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving hot.

Notes

This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is wonderful served over a bed of fluffy white rice, couscous, quinoa, or with a side of mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Pro Tips for Making This Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken

Ensuring your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken turns out perfectly every time is a joy, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks over my years in the kitchen that I just love to share! These nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve that tender, flavorful result we all adore.

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Crockpot: While it’s tempting to cram in extra chicken, giving your ingredients space allows them to cook evenly and absorb all those lovely flavors. If you need to double the recipe, consider using a larger crockpot or cooking in batches.
• Sear the Chicken First (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary for this crockpot dish, a quick sear on your chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker can add an extra layer of depth and flavor. It creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices.
• Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: The recipe calls for light brown sugar, which balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully. If you prefer a slightly less sweet or more savory profile, feel free to slightly reduce the brown sugar. Taste the sauce before adding it to the crockpot!
• My Secret Trick: I always make sure to mince my garlic finely. It ensures the garlic flavor is beautifully distributed throughout the sauce without any overpowering chunks, truly enhancing the overall warmth of the Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken.

Fun Variations for Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken

One of the most delightful aspects of home cooking is the freedom to play and personalize! Your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas that my friends and family adore, perfect for tailoring this dish to your taste.

Spice It Up a Little

For those who enjoy a gentle kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It won’t make it overly spicy but will introduce a lovely warmth that complements the sweetness of the fruit. My friend Sarah loves it with just a touch of heat, saying it makes the flavors “pop”!

Herb Garden Freshness

While fresh parsley is used at the end, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs. A sprig of fresh rosemary or a sprinkle of thyme added during the last hour of cooking can infuse the dish with a wonderful, earthy aroma. I often find myself reaching for thyme from my little kitchen herb garden.

Nutty Texture

For a delightful textural contrast, stir in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The nuts add a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruit and chicken in your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken.

What to Serve With Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken

This heartwarming Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is a star all on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments truly makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Think of it as creating a symphony of flavors and textures on your plate!

I always find that a simple bed of fluffy couscous or a wild rice pilaf makes an ideal partner, soaking up all those delicious, sweet and savory juices. It’s a comforting choice that never disappoints. My mom, however, swears by serving it with a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes – she says it’s pure comfort on a plate! For a touch of freshness and balance, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a welcome addition, providing a lovely contrast to the richness of the chicken. And if I’m in a hurry, I’ll often just steam some quick green beans; their vibrant color and slight crunch are perfect with the tender Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken.

How to Store Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken

Keeping your delicious Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken fresh so you can savor it again is wonderfully simple. Proper storage ensures those lovely flavors remain intact for future meals!

Fridge Favorites

Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes it perfect for delicious lunch leftovers! I always like to divide it into individual portions – it makes grabbing a quick, wholesome meal so much easier during a busy week.

Freezer Friendly

For longer storage, your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken freezes remarkably well. Place the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. My personal tip? A splash of extra chicken broth when reheating can help bring back that beautiful saucy consistency!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken isn’t just incredibly tasty; it also brings some wonderful goodness to your table. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, and a lovely dose of fiber and vitamins from the dried cranberries and apricots, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing. It truly embodies my philosophy of creating indulgent dishes that still incorporate simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use fresh cranberries and apricots instead of dried?
While dried fruits offer a concentrated sweetness and texture ideal for this dish, you can use fresh. Be aware that fresh cranberries will be much tarter, so you might want to increase the brown sugar slightly to balance the flavors in your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken.

Faq 2

Can I substitute other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work beautifully and often stay even more tender in the crockpot. Adjust cooking time slightly if using a different cut, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for your Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken.

Faq 3

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prepping! Cook a larger batch of Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken, then portion it out into airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully and tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.

Faq 4

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free! For gluten-free, ensure your chicken broth and ketchup are certified gluten-free, as these can sometimes contain hidden gluten. The cornstarch used to thicken the Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

And there you have it, sweet bakers! Our Crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, a little patience, and the warmth of a slow cooker can create a meal that’s both effortlessly elegant and deeply comforting. It’s a recipe designed to bring joy and ease to your busy weeknights, reminding us that homemade meals, filled with love, are always the most memorable. So go on, gather your ingredients, and let your crockpot work its magic – I promise, you’re not just making dinner, you’re crafting delicious memories!