Slow Cooked Bbq Chicken With Apricot Glaze

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken with Apricot Glaze is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The combination of smoky BBQ flavors with the sweet tang of apricot creates a truly irresistible dish. Tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs are slow-cooked to perfection in a homemade apricot glaze, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easier than you think, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is simply divine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) halal chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless – trimmed: We’re using halal chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness. Bone-in and skinless provides a good balance of flavor and convenience. Trimming excess fat ensures a healthier dish.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil – for searing: Olive oil is our choice for searing because of its high smoke point and subtle flavor. It helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Onions form the aromatic base of our glaze. Thinly slicing them allows them to soften and caramelize beautifully, adding depth of flavor. Yellow or white onions work best here.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must-have for any savory dish! Minced garlic releases its pungent aroma and flavor into the glaze.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) chipotle in adobo, minced (optional for heat): For those who like a little kick, chipotle in adobo adds a smoky heat that complements the BBQ flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.
• 200 g (1 cup) tomato paste: Tomato paste provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the glaze. Using a good quality tomato paste will result in a richer, more flavorful sauce.
• 120 ml (½ cup) apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness that balances the sweetness of the apricot jam and honey. It also helps tenderize the chicken.
• 100 g (½ cup) apricot jam (no added alcohol): The star of the show! Apricot jam provides the signature sweet and fruity flavor of this dish. Be sure to use a jam without added alcohol to keep the recipe universally accessible.
• 50 g (¼ cup) honey: Honey adds another layer of sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) molasses: Molasses contributes a deep, rich flavor and a hint of smokiness to the glaze. It also helps with caramelization.
• 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth that enhances the BBQ flavor. It’s a key ingredient for achieving that authentic BBQ taste.
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a consistent garlic flavor throughout the glaze.
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder: Onion powder enhances the savory notes of the glaze.
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.
• Pinch of salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) apricot jam – extra glaze: Reserved for a final glaze to boost the apricot flavor and shine.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey – extra glaze: Added to the final glaze for extra sweetness and gloss.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds – garnish: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a beautiful visual contrast.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh cilantro, chopped – garnish: Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice – optional brightness: A squeeze of lime juice adds a touch of acidity that brightens up the flavors.

Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season lightly with salt and pepper – remember, the glaze will contribute a lot of flavor, so don’t overdo it on the initial seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for approximately 3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step isn’t about cooking the chicken through; it’s about developing flavor and texture. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet (don’t discard those flavorful browned bits!), add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and lightly caramelized. This builds a foundational layer of sweetness and depth. Spread the sautéed onion and garlic evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Make the BBQ-Apricot Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, apricot jam, honey, molasses, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
5. Combine and Slow Cook: If using chipotle in adobo, stir it into the BBQ-apricot glaze. Pour the entire glaze mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker, ensuring that every piece of chicken is evenly coated.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s incredibly tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
7. Thicken the Glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid of the slow cooker and increase the heat to HIGH. Cook for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the glaze to thicken and become beautifully glossy.
8. Prepare the Finishing Glaze: While the glaze is thickening, prepare the extra apricot-honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the extra apricot jam, honey, and optional lime juice. Heat gently over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is fluid and warmed through.
9. Assemble and Garnish: Transfer the slow-cooked BBQ chicken to a serving platter. Spoon the thickened glaze from the slow cooker generously over the chicken. Drizzle the warm apricot-honey glaze in a thin ribbon across the dish. Finish with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and a generous scatter of chopped cilantro.

Why Apricot and BBQ Chicken is a Match Made in Heaven

The combination of BBQ sauce and apricot might seem unusual at first, but it’s a classic pairing for a reason. Apricot jam adds a subtle sweetness and fruity complexity that balances the smoky, savory flavors of traditional BBQ sauce. The acidity in the apricot also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful dish. Molasses contributes a depth of flavor and helps create a beautiful, glossy glaze.

Tips for the Best Slow-Cooker BBQ Chicken

• Don’t Skip the Sear: While you can technically skip searing the chicken, it adds a significant amount of flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Heat: The chipotle in adobo is optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit it. If you like more heat, add an extra clove or two.
• Bone-In, Skinless Thighs are Best: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs stay incredibly moist and flavorful during slow cooking.
• Low and Slow is Key: Resist the temptation to cook on high for a longer period. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender.

Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes

This Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken with Apricot Glaze is incredibly versatile. Serve it with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob. It’s also delicious served over rice, in sliders, or as part of a BBQ chicken sandwich. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? While you can use chicken breasts, they tend to dry out more easily during slow cooking. If using breasts, reduce the cooking time and check for doneness frequently.
• Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes! Reduce the cooking time to approximately 25-30 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

This Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken with Apricot Glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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• Author: Tessa Monroe
• Total Time: 320 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken with Apricot Glaze is a flavorful and tender dish, perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of smoky BBQ flavors and sweet apricot creates an irresistible taste.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 kg chicken thighs, bone-in, skinless, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chipotle in adobo (optional)
• 200 g tomato paste
• 120 ml apple cider vinegar
• 100 g apricot jam (no alcohol)
• 50 g honey
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp apricot jam (extra)
• 1 tbsp honey (extra)
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in batches for 3 minutes per side until browned.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion and garlic until softened, about 4 minutes.
4. Make Glaze: Whisk together tomato paste, vinegar, jam, honey, molasses, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
5. Combine & Cook: Pour glaze over chicken and onions in slow cooker.
6. Slow Cook: Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until tender.
7. Thicken Glaze: Cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken glaze.
8. Finishing Glaze: Heat extra jam and honey with lime juice.
9. Assemble & Garnish: Serve with glaze, drizzle with apricot-honey glaze, and garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds significant flavor. Adjust chipotle for desired heat. Bone-in, skinless thighs stay moistest.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 300 minutes
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 200g
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg