As the sun sets and the chill of evening settles in, nothing beats the comfort of a home-cooked meal. I often find myself drawn to cozy dishes that not only warm the heart but tantalize the taste buds, especially during the holiday season. That’s when I discovered the brilliance of Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken. Imagine tender chicken thighs, lovingly simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce that brings together the delightful flavors of apricot preserves and cranberry sauce.

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones while the slow cooker does its magic. Plus, the sweet and savory notes make it a standout dish that can transform any weeknight into a special occasion. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, this family-friendly meal will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. So, let’s dive into the deliciousness of Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Simplicity at Its Finest: This recipe requires minimal effort, letting you throw everything in the crockpot and relax.

Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory sauce, made with apricot preserves and cranberry sauce, creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this dish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.

Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous for a delightful meal.

Make-Ahead Marvel: It freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Consider pairing it with a light salad or green beans, and you’ll have a well-rounded meal ready to impress, similar to my beloved Crockpot Cheesy Chicken.

Enjoy a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug!

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Ingredients

Enjoy the magic of flavors with this easy recipe!

For the Chicken

Chicken Thighs – Use bone-in and skin-on for the juiciest flavor and moisture in your Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken.
Butter – For searing the chicken; this promotes browning and adds richness. Substitute with oil if needed.

For the Seasoning

Garlic Salt – Adds savory depth; you can use garlic powder as an alternative.
Onion Powder – Enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
Black Pepper – Provides a hint of seasoning and mild heat.
Paprika – Adds a beautiful warmth and vibrant color to your dish.

For the Sauce

Apricot Preserves – This is the primary flavoring agent; opt for quality preserves instead of jelly for the best taste.
French Dressing – A unique touch that balances the sweet flavors wonderfully.
Dry Onion Soup Mix – Combines multiple seasonings for added depth and simplicity.
Cranberry Sauce – Brings tartness and texture; either jellied or whole berry works perfectly in this dish.
Brown Sugar – Balances the sweetness and enhances the glaze beautifully.
Frozen Cranberries – Delivers texture and that fresh tart flavor; feel free to substitute with fresh cranberries if available.

For Garnish

Parsley – This optional garnish adds a touch of color and freshness to your final presentation.

Get ready to savor the deliciousness of this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken!

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Melt the Butter: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter. This step will help you achieve a lovely depth of flavor in your dish!
Season the Chicken: Combine garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Generously season your chicken thighs with this flavorful mixture on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds an incredible depth of flavor!
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar. This combination creates a delightful sweet-and-tangy sauce for your chicken!
Transfer to Crockpot: Carefully place the seared chicken thighs in the crockpot. Pour your delicious sauce over the top, ensuring every piece is coated. Top it with some frozen cranberries for added texture!
Cook the Chicken: Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken is ready once it’s tender and fully cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy your cozy meal!

Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for an added crunch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Variations

Customize your dish to reflect your taste preferences and pantry staples—let your imagination run wild!

Wings Upgrade: Swap out chicken thighs for wings for a fun, finger-food twist that’s perfect for gatherings.
Veggie Boost: Add cubed sweet potatoes or carrots for extra nutrition and a comforting, hearty meal.
Nuts for Crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts before serving to introduce delightful texture and a nutty flavor.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a surprisingly zesty finish to your sauce.
Herbal Essence: Infuse the dish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, during the cooking process for an aromatic flavor boost.
Oven-Baked: Prefer using an oven? Bake at 375°F in a casserole dish for 45–50 minutes, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Fruit Fusion: Play with flavor by adding dried fruits like apricots or raisins for added sweetness and chewiness.
Dairy-Free: Enrich the dish with coconut milk instead of butter for a creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.

What to Serve with Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken?

Transform your dinner into a delightful feast with these fantastic pairings that complement every bite of your delicious chicken.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture of creamy mashed potatoes absorbs the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting combination.
Fluffy Rice: A classic choice, fluffy rice serves as a perfect canvas for soaking up the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy, couscous topped with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon balances the richness of the chicken, adding a refreshing touch.
Green Bean Almondine: Tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds bring crunch and brightness, perfect for cutting through the richness of the sauce.
Light Mixed Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet chicken and enhances the overall meal.
Buttery Cornbread: The slightly sweet, crumbly texture of cornbread pairs well with the chicken, making each bite feel like a warm hug on a cold evening.
Sparking Cider: To elevate your dining experience, a glass of sparkling cider alongside this dish adds a festive flair, complementing the sweetness of the apricot and cranberry.
Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note. A warm apple crisp, with its cinnamon-sugar goodness, echoes the cozy flavors of the main dish, making it an unforgettable experience.

Let your taste buds dance with these delicious pairings that promise to elevate your Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken into a full-fledged feast!

Expert Tips for Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Don’t Skip Searing: Searing the chicken enhances its flavor and creates a lovely texture, making your Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken even more delicious.
Choose Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs retain moisture and flavor beautifully; however, boneless can be used—just adjust the cooking time.
Layer for Presentation: To impress your guests, arrange cranberries on top before serving; it not only looks beautiful but also adds freshness to the dish.
Add a Kick: For a subtle spicy twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes; you can also add nuts before serving for a delightful crunch.
No Slow Cooker? No Problem: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake this dish at 375°F in a casserole dish for 45–50 minutes.

Make Ahead Options

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and sear the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance, layering them in an airtight container to lock in moisture and flavor. Prepare the sweet and tangy sauce by mixing apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply place the seared chicken in the crockpot, pour the prepared sauce over it, and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. This way, you can enjoy a warm, flavorful meal with minimal effort, just as delicious as if you made it from scratch!

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Place it in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date!
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Enjoy the deliciousness of your Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken!
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
For the best flavor and moisture, I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They hold up beautifully during slow cooking. If you prefer boneless thighs, they can certainly be used, but adjust the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low to avoid drying them out.

How should I store leftover Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help to retain the flavors and keep the chicken juicy!

Can I freeze Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken?
Absolutely! This dish freezes wonderfully. Just place it in an airtight container or freezer bags and label with the date. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem at all! You can bake this dish in a casserole dish at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. This method will still produce deliciously tender chicken and flavorful sauce.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is family-friendly! However, if you’re concerned about allergies, be mindful of the ingredients like French dressing and onion soup mix, which might contain gluten or other allergens. You can always substitute these with homemade alternatives to suit your dietary needs.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To make sure your chicken thighs are perfectly cooked, they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check, which helps you avoid any drying out during the cooking process. The meat should also be tender and easy to shred, which is a good indicator it’s done!