Oh, you guys. If your weekdays are anything like mine, they are a whirlwind of meetings, emails, and the inevitable question: "What's for dinner?" Well, let me introduce you to my new secret weapon: Slow Cooker Honey Apricot Glazed Chicken. Imagine tender chicken cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy glaze. The origins of this dish draw from that love of throwing things in the slow cooker and forgetting about them until dinner. It’s the perfect way to impress your family (or just treat yourself!) without slaving away in the kitchen after a long workday.

This chicken is begging to be served up with fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of brown rice soaking up that extra glaze. I love pairing it with a simple green salad for a touch of freshness, or when I’m feeling a little more ambitious, roasted veggies never disappoint.

Slow Cooker Honey Apricot Glazed Chicken
Servings: 4-6

- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger

1. Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.

2. In a small bowl, combine apricot preserves, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried thyme (add the ginger here if you’re using it). Stir until everything is well mixed.

3. Pour the apricot-honey mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly covered.

4. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

5. Once done, you can optionally broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes to get those beautifully caramelized edges. Just watch it closely!

6. Serve hot, drizzled with the extra glaze from the slow cooker.

- If you’re looking to add a little more body to the sauce, you can whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to throw in a cup of sliced carrots or apricots for some extra veggies and a burst of flavor!
- This recipe freezes beautifully! Just cool the chicken and sauce completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
- For those with a spicier palate, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce can add a nice heat that contrasts the sweetness.

Trust me when I tell you that this Slow Cooker Honey Apricot Glazed Chicken is going to become a regular in your dinner rotation. It's one of those "set it and forget it" meals that still feel like you’ve made a big effort. Bonus points for making your house smell amazing! Now, go on, reclaim your evenings, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove