Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs
Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tart apricot glaze with a hint of Dijon, perfect for busy weeknights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs skin-side up in slow cooker. Scatter 1 medium thinly sliced red onion evenly over chicken.
- Step 2: Whisk 1/4 cup apricot preserves, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme in a bowl until smooth. Pour mixture over chicken and onions.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Apricot-Dijon Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect slow cooker recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
