This slow cooker apricot chicken is a nostalgic Aussie favourite made the classic way with chicken drumsticks, French onion soup mix and canned apricots. It’s sweet, savoury and comforting, just like you remember. This is the perfect set and forget recipe for nights when you want something easy that you know the whole family will love.
Let me guess, you’re here because you were searching for that classic apricot chicken recipe your family used to make? You’re not alone. This retro Aussie dinner is making a comeback, and once you make it again, you’ll remember exactly why it was on high rotation.
The first time I had apricot chicken was with my now husband’s family. It wasn’t something my parents made growing up, but it was a staple in his family, right next to curried sausages! So of course, I had to get his official approval on this version, and yes, it’s 100% husband approved.
I’ve stayed true to the traditional slow cooker apricot chicken recipe, using the original packet soup mix (which is dairy free!) and canned apricots. I’ve skipped the apricot nectar to keep it a little less sweet and more balanced, letting the apricot halves caramelise and give the sauce incredible flavour. It’s nostalgic, it’s budget-friendly, and honestly, it just tastes really, really good.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
- It’s the comforting family-friendly recipe you know and love
- It’s budget-friendly (approximately $2.85 per serve), making the most out of cheap chicken drumsticks
- It’s completely dairy free even using a packet soup mix!
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Key Ingredients
Apricot chicken has a pretty specific set of ingredients, and while every family has their own take (just like spaghetti bolognese), this is the version that I think best represents the flavours of classic slow cooker apricot chicken made popular in the 1970s and 1980s, but approachable for 2025.
Note all ingredients and their quantities are laid out in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken drumsticks – this is the ultimate cut of meat to make this dish budget friendly and stretch a bit further. It’s perfect for slow cooking as the chicken breaks down as it cooks and becomes so soft and tender. You can also use chicken thighs though if you prefer.
- French onion soup mix – it’s the rules, I don’t know what else to say! Preferably use the Continental brand one as that’s traditional and it’s also dairy free.
- Canned apricot – grab the can of apricot halves in juice (not syrup!). And don’t drain your apricots! While some recipes require you to discard the juice and use apricot nectar, I really didn’t want to have to waste it and buy another ingredient, so we are throwing the whole can in, juice and all!
- Garlic – measure with your heart! Just adds extra flavour.
- Soy sauce – balances out the sweetness of the apricot with saltiness and savoury depth.
- Cornflour – also known as corn starch in the US. This is completely optional, but if you find that you’d like the sauce a little thicker at the end, you can add some cornflour.
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Step-By-Step Instructions
This version of slow cooker apricot chicken comes together with just a few minutes of prep. Here’s exactly how to make it.
👉Tip! I am going to recommend that you take the extra step of browning the chicken. While not essential, I just find when using drumsticks in slow cooking it not only adds more flavour, but it makes them nicer to eat.
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Brown the drumsticks on all sides, don’t worry about them not being cooked through. If you have a slow cooker with a sear setting, you can do it straight in the pot.
Step 2: Add the canned apricots (making sure that you include the juice), French onion soup mix, garlic, and soy sauce to the slow cooker. Give it a good mix to combine.
Step 3: Add the browned chicken into the slow cooker and make sure they are submerged as best as you can in the sauce.
Step 4: Turn the slow cooker onto low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours and go about your life, getting things done!
Step 5: Dinner is ready! If you’d like a thicker sauce, I recommend removing the drumsticks and then adding a little cornflour to the slow cooker and mixing it through. Leave it on high for 30 minutes to thicken and go about preparing your sides.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Serving suggestion: Serve with either rice, couscous or dairy free mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce, and your choice of green veg.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Leftover apricot chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until hot all the way through.
This slow cooker apricot chicken also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Recipe FAQs
If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce once the chicken is cooked, then cook on high for 20-30 minutes with the lid slightly ajar until the sauce has thickened.
Yes, if you prefer a slightly sweeter apricot chicken or just remember your old recipe using this, you can drain the apricot halves and replace the liquid ½ cup of apricot nectar. Try and use the apricot nectar from a can that is thick and syrupy rather than the fruit drink for best results.
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs or breast fillets if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time as needed until they are tender and falling apart.
If you do make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! And tag any of your creations on Instagram with @eightforestlane as I would love to see.
More family favourite dinners:
Cottage Pie Recipe
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
One Pot Beef Mince Pasta
Easy BBQ Chicken Pizza
Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 kilogram chicken drumsticks
- Salt and pepper
- 1 40 gram packet French onion soup mix
- 1 410 gram can apricot halves in juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornflour/cornstarch optional to thicken
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown the drumsticks on all sides for about 4–5 minutes.
- Add the canned apricots (including the juice), French onion soup mix, garlic, and soy sauce to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Place the browned drumsticks into the slow cooker, turning them in the sauce to ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- If you’d like to thicken the sauce, remove the drumsticks and set them aside. Mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for a further 20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.
- Serve the chicken and sauce with your favourite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a guide only and is calculated using automated online tools, therefore we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We encourage you to make your own calculations based on the actual ingredients used in your recipe.
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