DINNER

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

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The aroma of Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken wafts through your home, filling the air with a sweet and savory symphony that’s simply irresistible. Each bite offers a delightful balance of tender chicken drenched in a sauce that’s both tangy and subtly sweet, leaving you craving more with every forkful. creamy chicken enchiladas.

Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and the family is gathered around the dinner table, eagerly anticipating a feast that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it creates memories. Whether it’s for a cozy weekday dinner or a festive gathering, you’ll find that this recipe shines bright on any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation means you can enjoy delicious home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen
  • The flavor profile is a delightful mix of sweet and savory, sure to please even picky eaters
  • Visually appealing, the vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for your dining table
  • Plus, its versatility allows pairing with rice or vegetables for a complete meal

My friends once declared my kitchen “the happiest place on Earth” after I served this delicious dish at a dinner party.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on your crowd size.
  • Cranberry Sauce: Use canned or homemade; either way, aim for one with whole berries for texture.
  • Dried Apricots: Opt for unsweetened apricots to keep the flavors balanced and natural.
  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami flavors.
  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; chopped or minced works well.
  • Onion: A medium onion adds depth; sautéed until translucent enhances sweetness.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper gives an aromatic kick to each bite.
  • Olive Oil: For browning the chicken before slow cooking; enhances overall flavor too. delicious slow cooker oatmeal.
  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to maintain control over seasoning levels.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step ensures they brown nicely and don’t steam during cooking.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Toss in minced garlic for another minute.

Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the browned chicken breasts into your crockpot. Pour over the cranberry sauce, soy sauce, chopped dried apricots, and black pepper evenly over the top.

Pour in Chicken Broth: Gently pour chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot without disturbing the layered ingredients. This helps keep everything moist as it cooks.

Set it and Forget It!: Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The magic happens while you go about your day!

Serve It Up!: Once cooked through and tender, shred the chicken lightly with two forks right in the pot to soak up all that juicy goodness. Serve it over rice or alongside steamed veggies for a delightful meal.

This easy-to-follow guide will have you creating mouthwatering Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. savory chicken cobbler Enjoy!

You Must Know

  • This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas
  • The blend of sweet and savory creates a dish that captures hearts at any dinner table
  • Plus, the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the chicken before placing it in the crockpot. Layer the cranberry and apricot sauce on top for even flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding chopped nuts or fresh herbs as toppings to enhance flavor and add texture to your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on low heat on the stove.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use bone-in chicken for richer flavor; it retains moisture better during cooking
  • Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning if needed
  • A splash of balsamic vinegar can elevate sweetness, adding depth to your dish

I remember the first time I made this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken for my family. hearty sausage soup They raved about it for weeks and even suggested I should open a restaurant!

FAQ

Can I use frozen One Pan Chicken Recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken can be used but ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.

What can I serve with Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken?

For more inspiration, check out this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe.

Serve it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

How long does it take to cook in a crockpot?

Cook on low for about 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.

Print
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Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with a tangy-sweet sauce made from cranberry and apricot. Perfect for chilly evenings, this easy recipe fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while creating lasting memories around the dinner table. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking approach, you can enjoy a comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup cranberry sauce (preferably with whole berries)
  • 1 cup dried unsweetened apricots, chopped
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Place the browned chicken in the crockpot. Layer with cranberry sauce, soy sauce, chopped apricots, and black pepper.
  4. Pour chicken broth around the edges of the crockpot without disturbing layers.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  6. Shred the chicken lightly in the pot before serving it over rice or alongside steamed veggies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 200g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added texture, consider topping with chopped nuts or fresh herbs before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or on low heat on the stove.

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