Name: Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489669H47M2S
Total time: PT-489669H47M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt or powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 1/2 cups apricot preserves; 1 cup French dressing; 1 envelope dry onion soup mix; 1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 cup frozen cranberries; Parsley, for garnish

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This crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is a cozy, fall-inspired dish that blends sweet and savory flavors into one comforting meal. I love how the apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, and French dressing come together to create a rich, jammy glaze that coats tender chicken thighs perfectly. With just a few minutes of prep, my slow cooker does the rest, making this recipe a favorite for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings.

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this dish feels special without requiring much effort. The combination of tangy cranberry, sweet apricot, and savory onion soup mix creates a flavor that is bold and comforting. I appreciate that I can serve it for a simple family dinner or bring it to the table during the holidays. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even couscous, and it’s just as good reheated the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 bone-in chicken thighs
½ teaspoon garlic salt or powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter
1 ½ cups apricot preserves
1 cup French dressing
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
1 cup cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 cup frozen cranberries
Parsley, for garnish

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, I mix the garlic salt, onion powder, pepper, and paprika.
I season the chicken thighs with the spice mix.
I sear the chicken skin side down for about 5 minutes until golden.
While the chicken is browning, I stir together the apricot preserves, French dressing, onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar in a bowl.
I transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot.
I pour the sauce over the chicken and scatter the cranberries on top.
I cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4, until the chicken is tender.
I garnish with parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time, with a total cook time of 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low in the crockpot.

Variations

I sometimes add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be stirred in for holiday flair.
Sweet potatoes or carrots can be cooked along with the chicken for a complete meal.
If I don’t want to use the crockpot, I bake it at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes.
Chicken wings work beautifully with this sauce for a fun appetizer.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, and I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, I can use boneless thighs. They cook a little faster, so I keep an eye on the timing to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

I can use chicken breasts, but I prefer thighs since they stay juicier. If I use breasts, I reduce the cooking time slightly.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

I like to sear the chicken because it adds flavor and keeps the skin from getting soggy, but it can be skipped if I’m short on time.

What side dishes go best with this chicken?

I enjoy it most with mashed potatoes and green beans, but it’s also great with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the sauce and season the chicken the night before, then cook everything in the crockpot the next day.

Conclusion

This crockpot cranberry apricot chicken is one of those recipes I return to again and again because it’s simple, flavorful, and versatile. I love that it feels festive enough for a holiday table yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a dish I’m always excited to serve.