Easy Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken (Freezer Meal)

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken on a bed of rice with a green salad.

Easy Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken – A Simple Dump-Style Freezer Meal

Searching for an effortless and mouthwatering chicken recipe that will revolutionize your dinner time? I’ve got you covered with this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken recipe!

This easy slow cooker freezer meal not only saves you precious time during busy weeknights but also delivers a burst of sweet and delightful flavors.

With the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

And by preparing this easy chicken dinner as a freezer meal, you can save valuable time during hectic evenings.

Then, with minimal effort later on, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Overhead shot of ingredients needed to make Apricot Preserves Chicken Recipe.

Ingredients for this Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Recipe

This is one of the easiest slow cooker recipes because of the list of simple ingredients needed.

Other than measuring things out, there is really no other preparation involved in putting this freezer meal together.

For my take on crockpot apricot chicken, you’ll need:

boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
apricot preserves (or apricot jam – whichever you can find)
French dressing
minced garlic
garlic powder

That’s all there is.

Overhead shot of freezer bag prepped with Crockpot Apricot Chicken freezer meal.

Preparing Your Apricot Preserves Chicken Recipe

In a medium bowl, which together the apricot jam or preserves, French dressing, minced garlic, and garlic powder.

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a gallon-sized zip-top freezer bag, and pour the apricot sauce over them.

Remove as much air as possible from the bag, and seal it tightly.

Gently shake or knead the bag contents to ensure that all the chicken is coated with the sauce.

Label the bag with the recipe name, date, and cooking instructions.

Lay the bag flat in the freezer to freeze.

Freezing Tip

Lay your bag flat (a baking sheet or tray works well here) for several hours or overnight until frozen. You can move the bag once it is a frozen and stack it upright in the freezer to save space. You can also stack it upright in freezer bins for better organization!

Overhead shot of Apricot Preserves Chicken Recipe cooking in a slow cooker.

Cooking Your Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Freezer Meal

This delicious dish does best when thawed first. So, the night before you plan to make it, pull your bag out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

Thawing Tip

Place your freezer meal bag in the refrigerator in a container or on a tray. This will catch any liquid that might leak out as the meal thaws, and will save you extra refrigerator cleanup.

The next day, gently pour the contents of your freezer bag into your slow cooker or crock pot.

Cover and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

For food safety, you want to ensure that the internal temperature on your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken on a bed of rice.

Serving Suggestions for an Easy Dinner

Serve the slow cooker apricot chicken over white rice, or go for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier option.

Add a side of green beans or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.

Or if you need to keep it really simple, grab a bag of salad and a loaf of crusty French bread at the local grocery store and you’ve got a delicious meal all ready to go when you get home!

You can choose to leave your chicken breasts or thighs served whole, or you can add one small extra step before serving and shred your chicken and mix it in with the sauce.

Both are fabulous options – it really just depends on your personal preferences and what you are in the mood for.

Shredded Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken plated for dinner.

Substitutions and Customization Options

This slow cooker chicken recipe is so versatile, and there are many different ways you can customize it to create your own unique and fresh flavor.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

One of the easiest swaps you can make is to use a different salad dressing. If French dressing isn’t to your liking, this chicken dish also tastes great with Russian dressing, or even Catalina dressing.
For a tangier flavor, substitute peach preserves or orange marmalade for the apricot jam. Or add a bit of orange marmalade right in with the apricot preserves, for a more citrusy flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of curry powder to the sauce.
Experiment with different cuts of chicken, such as chicken drumsticks, to vary the texture and flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a freezer meal or just an easy yet delicious dinner option to add to your regular rotation, this crock pot apricot chicken recipe is sure to become a sweet yet savory favorite of the whole family.

Close up of Crockpot Apricot Chicken cooked.

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other great slow cooker chicken recipes:

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! My family prefers the leaner chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are great in this recipe since they tend to be juicier and more tender.

Can I use apricot jam instead of apricot preserves?

Yes! You can substitute apricot jam for the apricot preserves. The flavor profiles are very similar and the results will be equally delicious.

How long can I store the slow cooker apricot chicken in the freezer?

This meal will keep in the freezer for 3-6 months easily. Although, taste and texture may start to decline after awhile, so for best results, or if you’re very sensitive to changes in textures, you’ll want to use this within 1-2 months.

How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry in the slow cooker?

To ensure that your chicken remains juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Follow the recommended cook time in this recipe as a guide, but feel free to adjust for your particular slow cooker. The best option is to use a food thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C). I have one slow cooker that runs REALLY hot, and my chicken is done in 3 hours on low…go figure…