5 Amazing Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken Tips

If you’ve been craving a cozy, no-stress dinner that basically cooks itself while you tackle your to-do list, this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. I’m talking sweet, tangy, sticky-glazed chicken that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it… when really, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. And as a busy mom, professional, multitasking magician—or maybe all of the above—you deserve recipes that work with your life, not against it.

This dish brings together pantry-friendly ingredients, warm spices, and the kind of comforting aroma that fills your home in the best way. It’s one of those meals that quietly simmers away, turning even a chaotic Wednesday into something that feels a little more peaceful. So grab that slow cooker and let’s bring some simple magic into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Let me tell you—this recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks.

• It’s a set-it-and-forget-it dream. Mix, pour, cook. That’s it.
• It’s made with everyday ingredients. Nothing fancy, expensive, or hard to find.
• It’s incredibly flavorful. Sticky apricots, tangy cranberries, creamy French dressing, and perfectly seasoned chicken… the combination is surprisingly irresistible.
• It’s comforting and festive. Perfect for holidays, Sundays, or whenever you need a dinner that feels like a warm hug.

Back when my three kids were little, I survived many chaotic seasons thanks to meals like this. I still remember tossing this together one morning when the week felt like one giant checklist. By dinner, the house smelled amazing—like tart cranberries and sweet apricots bubbling away. Everyone sat down without a complaint (a miracle), and I swear I felt my shoulders drop an inch from pure relief. Recipes like this are why I fell in love with slow cooking in the first place.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the steps, let’s walk through what makes this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken so tasty.

• Chicken thighs – I love using bone-in, skin-on thighs for extra tenderness and flavor. Eight thighs fit perfectly in a standard slow cooker.
• Seasoning mix – Garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika keep things simple but flavorful.
• Butter – Just a tablespoon to get that golden sear. Oil works too if that’s what you have.
• Apricot preserves – The sticky-sweet backbone of the sauce. Be sure to use preserves, not jelly.
• French dressing – Tangy, creamy, and surprisingly perfect with the fruitiness.
• Dry onion soup mix – Adds rich savory depth without needing lots of individual spices.
• Cranberry sauce – Jellied or whole berry both work.
• Brown sugar – Just a touch to round out the sweet-tart balance.
• Frozen cranberries – They burst as they cook, adding gorgeous color and bright pops of flavor.
• Parsley – Optional, but great for a fresh finish.

Check the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

This recipe is simple, but these small steps create big flavor. Here’s how to make it:

1. Sear the Chicken

Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Mix your spice blend—garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper—in a small bowl.
Season the chicken thighs generously on all sides.

Place them in the hot skillet skin side down and let them sear for about 5 minutes.
You’re not cooking them through—just giving them that beautiful golden color that adds richness to the final dish.

2. Make the Sauce

While the chicken is browning (and making your kitchen smell amazing), stir together:

• Apricot preserves
• French dressing
• Dry onion soup mix
• Cranberry sauce
• Brown sugar

This mixture is thick, glossy, and already delicious enough to eat by the spoonful. It’s the heart of our sweet-tangy glaze.

3. Assemble Everything in the Crockpot

Transfer the seared chicken thighs into your slow cooker.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure it settles between the pieces.
Scatter frozen cranberries over the top—they’ll soften and burst during cooking.

4. Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook:

• 6 hours on LOW, or
• 4 hours on HIGH

By the end, the chicken will be tender, juicy, and swimming in the most gorgeous ruby-orange sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon some of that glossy cranberry-apricot glaze over the top and finish with fresh parsley if you like. It adds a bright, fresh touch.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Here are a few extra ideas to make this meal even easier and more delicious:

Sear If You Can—but Don’t Stress If You Can’t

Yes, searing helps develop flavor. But if the morning is chaotic and your skillet is giving you side-eye from across the kitchen? Skip it. Your chicken will still be delicious.

Sauce Too Thick?

Thin it out with a splash of chicken broth.
If it’s too thin? Keep the lid off the crockpot for the last 20 minutes and let some liquid evaporate.

Prefer Chicken Breasts?

Use 4–5 large breasts and reduce cook time by about an hour to avoid drying them out.

Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to balance the sweetness.

Serving Ideas

This recipe shines when served with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice (white, jasmine, or wild rice)
• Buttered noodles
• Roasted veggies
• A simple side salad

When the sauce drips over your mashed potatoes? Pure heaven.

Variations You Can Try

Because busy cooks need flexibility, here are a few twists that work beautifully:

Swap the Apricot

Not a fan of apricot preserves? Try:

• Peach preserves
• Pineapple preserves
• Orange marmalade

Each one adds its own sunny twist.

Add Veggies

Place chopped sweet potatoes, baby carrots, or onions at the bottom of the crockpot before adding the chicken. They’ll soak up all that flavor.

Use Boneless Thighs

They cook a bit quicker—about 4–5 hours on low.
The flavor stays fantastic, and everything becomes fall-apart tender.

FAQs About Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

Bringing It All Together

This comforting, flavor-packed Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is everything I love about slow cooking—easy prep, simple ingredients, and big cozy payoff. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just trying to get dinner on the table without feeling overwhelmed, this recipe truly delivers. I hope it brings your home the same warmth and delicious calm it brings to mine.

Ready to make a meal that practically cooks itself?
Your slow cooker is waiting. Dinner is about to get delightfully easy.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If this Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken brought a little extra comfort to your table, here are a few more feel-good dishes you might want to bookmark for your next cozy dinner night. These are some of my readers’ favorites, and they pair beautifully with the warm, homey flavors in today’s recipe:

• If you’re craving another creamy, no-fuss chicken dish, you’ll fall head-over-spatula for my Crockpot Ranch Chicken—it’s the kind of recipe that practically melts the stress right off your shoulders.
• Got extra cranberry sauce hanging out in the fridge? Whip up a sweet treat with these Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins. They’re soft, cozy, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
• If you’re in a festive mood, try my Cranberry and Brie Holiday Pull-Apart Bread—an irresistible, gooey, cheesy pull-apart that disappears faster than you’d expect.
• And for the ultimate easy side dish that goes with almost everything, my Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is buttery, comforting, and the perfect partner for sweet-and-savory chicken dinners like this one.

Feel free to explore these next—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!

Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crockpot Cranberry Apricot Chicken is a cozy, sweet-and-tangy slow cooker dinner made with tender chicken thighs, apricot preserves, cranberry sauce, and warm spices. It’s an effortless set-it-and-forget-it meal that bursts with holiday-inspired flavor and comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 1 tbsp butter (or oil)

• 1 tsp garlic salt

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 cup apricot preserves

• 1 cup French dressing

• 1 packet dry onion soup mix

• 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce (jellied or whole berry)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 cup frozen cranberries

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Mix the garlic salt, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika in a small bowl.

3. Season the chicken thighs on all sides with the spice blend.

4. Place the chicken in the hot skillet, skin-side down, and sear for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, French dressing, dry onion soup mix, cranberry sauce, and brown sugar.

6. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to your slow cooker.

7. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.

8. Scatter the frozen cranberries over the top.

9. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavorful.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Fresh cranberries can be used instead of frozen.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.

For boneless chicken thighs, reduce cooking time by about 1 hour.

Delicious served with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (or 4 hours on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg