This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Apricot Chicken is an easy, flavorful dinner made with tender chicken breasts and a sweet, tangy apricot sauce. With just three main ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anyone who loves simple slow-cooker meals.
The chicken cooks slowly until tender, allowing the apricot glaze to become rich, glossy, and full of sweet-and-savory flavor. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup apricot preserves
1 cup Catalina or Russian dressing
Salt and black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and black pepper if desired. - Make the Apricot Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves and Catalina or Russian dressing. Stir until thoroughly blended. - Add the Sauce
Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well coated. - Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Serve
Carefully transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon some of the warm apricot sauce over the top.
Serve immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overcook the chicken: Start checking it around the 4-hour mark, as chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long.
For extra sauce: Spoon the cooking juices over the chicken just before serving.
For a thicker glaze: Transfer some of the sauce to a small saucepan and simmer briefly until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts and tend to stay especially juicy.
What to Serve With Apricot Chicken
This sweet and savory chicken pairs especially well with:
White or brown rice
Mashed potatoes
Roasted vegetables
Steamed green beans
Broccoli
Simple garden salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For food-safety reasons, it’s best to use thawed chicken in a slow cooker so it reaches a safe temperature efficiently.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and will give you especially tender results.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a food thermometer.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated. For best results, keep the raw chicken refrigerated until you’re ready to cook it.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently until hot throughout.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken with some of the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours
Total Time: About 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American / Amish-inspired
Method: Slow Cooker
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Only 3 main ingredients
✔ Minimal preparation
✔ Tender, juicy chicken
✔ Sweet and tangy apricot glaze
✔ Perfect for busy weeknights
✔ Family-friendly comfort food