If you're looking for a comforting dinner that requires almost no effort, this Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken deserves a spot on your weekly menu. With only three simple ingredients, this classic recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a tender, flavorful meal coated in a rich sweet-and-savory apricot glaze.
Inspired by traditional Amish and church cookbook recipes, this dish proves that you don't need a long ingredient list to create something everyone will love. Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker, let it simmer for a few hours, and come home to a delicious dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep.
Why You'll Love This Amish Apricot Chicken Recipe
This recipe has remained popular for years because it's incredibly easy while delivering impressive flavor.
Reasons to love it:
Only 3 pantry-friendly ingredients
Minimal prep time
Perfect for busy schedules
Sweet and savory flavor combination
Tender, juicy chicken every time
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Great for leftovers and meal prep
The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the apricot preserves and onion soup mix to create a glossy, flavorful sauce as the chicken cooks.
What Is Amish Apricot Chicken?
Amish cooking is known for transforming simple, affordable ingredients into hearty comfort food. This recipe follows that same philosophy by combining chicken with pantry staples to create a rich, satisfying meal.
The combination of sweet fruit preserves and savory onion soup mix creates a balanced glaze that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.
Despite its simplicity, the finished dish tastes like it simmered all day from scratch.
Ingredients
Serves: 4
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1½ cups apricot preserves
1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
How to Make Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Avoid stacking them too heavily so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine:
Apricot preserves
Dry onion soup mix
Stir until the ingredients are mostly blended.
The mixture will be thick, which is exactly what you want.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken.
Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce so each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover with the lid and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
HIGH: 2½–3 hours
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and can easily be shredded or sliced with a fork.
During cooking, the preserves melt into the chicken juices, creating a silky glaze.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you'd like a thicker sauce, leave the slow cooker on Warm with the lid slightly open for about 10–15 minutes.
Serve the chicken whole or shredded with plenty of sauce spooned over the top.
Tips for the Best Apricot Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are very forgiving if cooked slightly longer.
Thicken the Sauce
For a glaze-like consistency:
Leave the lid cracked during the final 10–15 minutes.
Or stir in a small cornstarch slurry if desired.
Reduce the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet sauce, replace about ¼ cup of the apricot preserves with:
Low-sodium chicken broth
Water
This creates a more balanced savory flavor.
Add a Little Heat
For a subtle spicy kick, stir in:
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
A dash of cayenne pepper
The heat pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the preserves.
Delicious Variations
Dijon Apricot Chicken
Replace the onion soup mix with:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
This creates a tangy honey-mustard style glaze.
Garlic Apricot Chicken
Add:
2 minced garlic cloves
½ teaspoon garlic powder
for extra depth of flavor.
Herb Version
Mix in:
Fresh thyme
Rosemary
Parsley
to give the sauce a more savory profile.
What to Serve with Apricot Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken pairs well with many side dishes.
Some favorites include:
Fluffy white rice
Buttered egg noodles
Mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Garden salad
Dinner rolls
Crusty artisan bread
The extra sauce is too delicious to leave behind.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can You Freeze It?
Absolutely.
To make a freezer meal:
Add the raw chicken, apricot preserves, and onion soup mix to a freezer-safe bag.
Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook as directed.
Cooked leftovers also freeze well for easy future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and remain especially tender in the slow cooker.
Can I use homemade apricot jam?
Absolutely. Homemade preserves work just as well and may provide an even fresher fruit flavor.
Is this recipe very sweet?
The onion soup mix balances the sweetness nicely. If you prefer a more savory dish, reduce the preserves slightly or add a little Dijon mustard.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes. Bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover apricot chicken is excellent:
Over rice bowls
Inside wraps
In sandwiches
Mixed into pasta
On top of baked potatoes
In meal-prep containers with vegetables
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish Apricot Chicken is proof that some of the best comfort food recipes require only a handful of ingredients. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet apricot preserves, and savory onion soup mix creates a rich, flavorful meal with almost no effort.
Whether you're cooking for your family, preparing meals ahead of time, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this three-ingredient slow cooker recipe delivers comforting homemade flavor every single time. One bite of the tender chicken coated in its glossy apricot glaze, and it's easy to see why this classic recipe disappears so quickly whenever it's served.
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