Slow Cooker Apricot Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken
Slow Cooker Apricot Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken is the kind of recipe that feels special but fits easily into everyday life. It balances sweet and savory flavors without feeling heavy, thanks to tender chicken cooked slowly in a glossy apricot-based sauce and finished with tangy goat cheese. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the chicken to soak up flavor while staying juicy and fork-tender. This dish works just as well for a relaxed family dinner as it does for entertaining, since it looks elegant with very little effort. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted vegetables for a comforting meal that still feels fresh and a little unexpected.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: About 5 hours
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 hearty portions
Ingredients
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 pounds
Apricot jam or preserves, ¾ cup
Chicken broth, ½ cup
Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon
Soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves, 3 minced
Onion, 1 small, finely chopped
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
Fresh thyme or rosemary, 1 teaspoon chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Goat cheese, 4 ounces, crumbled
Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
Lightly season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step adds flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker in a single layer.
In a bowl, whisk together apricot jam, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.
Pour the apricot mixture evenly over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
About 15 minutes before serving, carefully flip the chicken to coat it fully in the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the chicken and cover for a few minutes until slightly softened.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Tips
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy in the slow cooker, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
Searing the chicken first deepens flavor and improves texture, especially for guests.
Use good-quality apricot jam with visible fruit for the best taste.
If the sauce seems thin, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes to let it reduce slightly.
Add goat cheese just before serving so it softens without fully melting.
Stir the sauce gently to avoid breaking apart very tender chicken.
For a smoother sauce, blend it briefly before returning it to the slow cooker.
Fresh herbs add brightness, but dried herbs work in a pinch.
Taste before serving, since jams vary in sweetness.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before plating for cleaner slices.
Variations
Add sliced dried apricots for extra texture and fruit flavor.
Swap goat cheese for feta if you prefer a saltier finish.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for deeper sweetness.
Stir in a spoon of whole-grain mustard for more bite.
Include carrots or sweet potatoes for a one-pot meal.
Use bone-in chicken for even richer flavor.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Finish with toasted almonds for crunch.
Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a lighter taste.
Serve shredded chicken over couscous or quinoa for a different presentation.
Q & A
Can I skip browning the chicken?
Yes, the dish will still be flavorful, though browning adds depth.
Is this dish very sweet?
It’s balanced, with tang from mustard and goat cheese offsetting the jam.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and often tastes even better the next day.
What sides go best with it?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables all pair well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze without the goat cheese for best texture.
Does low-fat goat cheese work?
Yes, but full-fat gives a creamier finish.
Can I use another jam?
Peach or fig jam are great alternatives.
How do I thicken the sauce quickly?
Mix a small cornstarch slurry and stir it in during the last 20 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure the chicken stays mostly in a single layer.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Apricot Jam & Goat Cheese Chicken brings together tender meat, gentle sweetness, and creamy tang in a way that feels both comforting and refined. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for company, with flavors that develop beautifully over hours of slow cooking. Once you try this combination, it’s likely to become a reliable favorite in your slow cooker rotation.