Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme Chicken Thighs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs bathed in a sweet-tart apricot glaze with earthy thyme, ready to serve with roasted vegetables or rice. This american-inspired slow cooker (gluten-free) ready in about 375 minutes pairs pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, apricot preserves, tablespoons fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in a slow cooker, skin-side up to render fat.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion to the slow cooker and spread evenly over the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating each piece completely.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top and cover the slow cooker.
  6. Step 6: Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or until chicken is very tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme 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 Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme 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 apricot preserves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme 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 Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme 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.

Is Slow Cooker Apricot-Thyme Chicken Thighs gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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