Looking for a delicious and simple dinner that practically cooks itself? This Apricot-Glazed Chicken Tenderloin is a sweet and savory delight that will elevate your meal with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker, you’ll end up with tender, flavorful chicken coated in a rich, apricot-infused glaze—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow-cooker recipe combines the natural sweetness of apricots with the savory depth of soy sauce and a hint of mustard for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The chicken tenderloins cook slowly, absorbing all the seasonings, which gives you a deliciously juicy dish that practically melts in your mouth. Plus, the hands-off cooking style means you’re free to tackle other tasks while dinner takes care of itself.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs of chicken tenderloin (cut into 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking)
- 1 cup apricot preserves (for that sweet, fruity flavor)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (adds a savory depth)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for a bit of tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder (adds warmth and complexity)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (a hint of spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken tenderloin into 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the apricot glaze over the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Gently stir to make sure every piece is coated in the sauce.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 3-4 hours, or, if you’re in a hurry, on high for 1.5-2 hours. As it cooks, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, give it a gentle stir to recoat with the sauce, then serve warm. Each bite will have that irresistible sweet and savory flavor!
Tips for Making the Best Apricot-Glazed Chicken Tenderloin
- Adjust the Heat: If you want to add a little kick, consider a dash of red pepper flakes in the glaze.
- Check for Doneness: Slow cookers can vary, so check the chicken around the suggested time to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Serve with Style: This dish is delicious with rice, quinoa, or even a crisp salad to balance out the sweetness of the glaze.
Why Slow Cooker?
Slow-cooking lets the apricot and soy sauce flavors deeply infuse into the chicken, which creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves. It’s a convenient cooking method that leaves you free to go about your day, returning to a mouth-watering aroma and a perfectly cooked meal.
So next time you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and savory, give this Apricot-Glazed Chicken Tenderloin a try! With minimal prep and a few hours in the slow cooker, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
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Apricot-Glazed Chicken Tenderloin in Slow Cooker
Description
Experience sweet and savory bliss with our Apricot-Glazed Chicken Tenderloin made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfectly tender, each bite promises a delightful burst of flavor, making this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs of chicken tenderloin, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Begin by placing your cut chicken tenderloin into the bottom of a slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer.
2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ginger powder, and black pepper until smooth and well mixed.
3. Pour this flavorful glaze over the chicken tenderloin in the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure each piece is fully coated with the glaze.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to cook to perfection and the flavors to meld exquisitely. Alternatively, set the cooker to high and cook for 1.5-2 hours if you’re short on time.
5. Once the cooking is complete, stir the chicken tenderloin gently to recoat it with the luscious glaze.
6. Serve warm from the slow cooker, making sure everyone enjoys the rich, apricot-scented sauce.