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This crockpot cranberry apricot chicken transforms simple ingredients into a festive, flavor-packed meal that brings holiday warmth to your dinner table any day of the week. The combination of sweet apricot preserves, tangy cranberries, and savory chicken creates a beautiful balance that makes this dish truly special.
The first time I made this for my family during the holiday season, everyone kept asking for the recipe. Now it's become our signature dish whenever we want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Bone in chicken thighs The dark meat stays juicy and flavorful during slow cooking. Look for pieces with even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Apricot preserves Forms the sweet base of our sauce. Choose a quality preserve with visible fruit pieces for best flavor.
- French dressing Adds tanginess and color. The classic orange dressing works perfectly here.
- Dry onion soup mix Provides depth and savory notes that balance the sweetness.
- Cranberry sauce Use whole berry for best texture.
- Brown sugar Just a tablespoon to round out the flavors.
- Frozen cranberries Adds fresh pops of color and tartness. Fresh work too if available.
- Butter For searing the chicken and adding richness.
- Spices Garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika create a simple but effective seasoning blend.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Combine garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika in a small bowl. Season the chicken thighs generously on all sides. This creates the flavor foundation for your dish.
- Sear the Chicken
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and sear for about 5 minutes until golden. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Sauce
- While the chicken sears, mix apricot preserves, French dressing, onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl until well combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable.
- Transfer and Combine
- Place the seared chicken thighs in your slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Scatter the frozen cranberries on top.
- Slow Cook
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to pull apart easily with a fork when done.
- Finishing Touches
- Before serving, spoon some of the thickened sauce over each chicken thigh. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is how the apricot preserves break down during cooking to create a glossy, jammy sauce that coats every bite. My grandmother used to make something similar during the holidays, and this modern crockpot version brings back those warm memories while being so much easier.
The Perfect Pairing
This cranberry apricot chicken shines when served over creamy mashed potatoes that can soak up all that delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple green vegetable like steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. The bright flavor and color contrast beautifully with the rich chicken.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer white meat just reduce the cooking time by about an hour. Peach preserves work wonderfully in place of apricot. For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix. I once added a splash of balsamic vinegar which created an incredible depth of flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep. To reheat, cover and warm in the microwave or gently on the stovetop adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. The leftover chicken also makes incredible sandwiches when shredded and served on brioche buns.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish. They'll cook faster than bone-in, so check for doneness around 3 hours on low or 2 hours on high. You'll miss a bit of the richness that bones provide, but the sauce will still be delicious.
- → What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If you don't have apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade make excellent substitutions. Each will change the flavor profile slightly but maintain that sweet-tangy balance. Apricot jam or even a mix of honey and orange juice can work in a pinch.
- → Can this be made ahead and reheated?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered pan on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly heated.
- → What sides pair well with this chicken dish?
The sweet-savory sauce begs for something to soak it up. Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are perfect bases. For vegetables, try green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
- → Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen?
Fresh cranberries work perfectly in this dish. There's no need to adjust quantities or cooking times—simply substitute equal amounts. If cranberries aren't in season, dried cranberries can work too, though they'll create a sweeter result, so consider reducing the brown sugar slightly.
- → How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, cut the brown sugar completely and use half the amount of apricot preserves, replacing the remaining portion with chicken broth. You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to bring more tanginess to balance the sweet elements.