Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet apricot and honey sauce, finished with a golden almond topping for a comforting yet elegant dinner. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 380 minutes pairs pounds Bone-in chicken thighs, Dried apricots, Sliced almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 pounds bone-in chicken thighs dry, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 2 minutes more; transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots, 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons honey, and 1 cup chicken broth to slow cooker; stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken and set aside; strain sauce into a bowl, discarding solids. Skim excess fat, then return sauce to slow cooker and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl; stir into sauce and cook on high for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  7. Step 7: Toast 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes until golden, then sprinkle over chicken before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 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-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp?

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 pounds bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp?

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-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp 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-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Almond Crisp?

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.

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