Slow Cooker Minister’s Delight is sweet-savory, absurdly easy, and somehow always a hit.
Slow Cooker Minister’s Delight
Ingredients
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3–4 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or boneless breasts)
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1 cup apricot preserves
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1 cup Catalina or Russian dressing
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
(That’s the holy quartet.)
Instructions
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Lightly grease the slow cooker.
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Place chicken in the bottom in a single layer.
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In a bowl, stir together apricot preserves, dressing, and onion soup mix.
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Pour sauce over chicken, turning to coat.
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Cook:
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Low: 6–7 hours
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High: 3–4 hours
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Serve hot, spooning plenty of sauce over the top.
How It’s Usually Served
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Over rice (most traditional)
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Egg noodles
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Mashed potatoes
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With green beans or a simple salad to balance the sweetness
Helpful Tips
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Thighs stay juicier than breasts
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If sauce is thin, remove lid for last 20–30 minutes
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For a little tang, add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard
Common Variations
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Apricot-free: use peach preserves
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More savory: add garlic or soy sauce
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Baked version: 350°F for ~1 hour, covered
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Freezer meal: dump everything in a freezer bag, thaw, then cook
This is the kind of dish that shows up at potlucks, disappears first, and gets asked about every time.
Want the original 1970s version, a lighter modern take, or a make-ahead freezer prep?