This 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Mid-July Sunset Chicken is the kind of dinner that saves a busy weekday while still feeling like you put real thought into the meal. Bone-in chicken breasts stay juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker, and with just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, the sauce turns sweet, savory, and a little tangy as it simmers. It has that colorful, summery feel that makes it perfect for midsummer dinners, but it is easy enough to keep in your regular meal rotation all year long.
Serve this chicken over fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes so none of the sauce goes to waste. A simple side of green beans, roasted carrots, corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad pairs especially well and keeps the meal balanced. If you want to lean into the summer supper vibe, add sliced melon, iced tea, or a light white wine on the side.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Mid-July Sunset Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 raw bone-in chicken breasts
1 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup French dressing
1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 ounce)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin layer of oil if desired for easier cleanup. Place the raw bone-in chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a mostly even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. When the chicken is done, carefully transfer it to a serving platter or plates. Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make it sweeter: If your family likes a more pronounced sweet-and-savory flavor, add an extra 2 to 3 tablespoons of apricot preserves before cooking. This is especially nice if you are serving the chicken over plain rice.
Thicken the sauce: For a thicker finishing sauce, remove the cooked chicken and transfer the cooking liquid to a small saucepan. Simmer it for a few minutes on the stovetop until slightly reduced, then spoon it back over the chicken.
Use boneless chicken if needed: Boneless chicken breasts or thighs also work, but they may cook a little faster than bone-in breasts. Check for doneness early so the meat stays tender and juicy.
Meal prep tip: You can whisk the sauce together the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. In the morning, all you need to do is place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour over the sauce, and turn it on before heading out the door.
Round out the meal: If you want to stretch the sauce, stir in a splash of chicken broth near the beginning of cooking. It creates a little extra spoonable sauce for rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes without changing the flavor too much.