Crock Pot Sticky Chicken

Crock Pot Sticky Chicken is a five ingredient weeknight dinner favorite that hits the mark for ease, flavor, and minimal cleanup. This slow cooker recipe is a classic dump-and-go meal that makes chicken anything but boring. Barbeque sauce and preserves on the chicken create a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that clings to every bite.

This easy sticky chicken recipe is perfect for busy nights when you still want a home-cooked dinner. There’s no need to sear, stir, or check on it all day. It’s a no fuss dish that uses pantry staples, requires no chopping, and cleanup is easy.

Busy schedules need more easy meals, and this Crock Pot Sticky Chicken is one of those simple and delicious dinners that are on repeat. We love using BBQ sauce in slow cooker recipes like this Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork or my Slow Cooker BBQ Beer Chicken.

Sometimes these Slow Cooker BBQ Green Beans are made with the sticky bbq chicken just to keep the smoky flavors going throughout the meal. Using the slow cooker just makes life easier to get dinner on the table when you need it to be.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

This recipe is already quick to prep, but a few small adjustments can make it even more efficient for busy days. You can also tweak the flavors without compromising the simplicity of the dish.

• Skip scrubbing the crock entirely by using a disposable slow cooker liner for fast cleanup.
• Mix the BBQ sauce, preserves, and the soup mix the night before and store in the fridge.
• Combine all ingredients in a freezer-safe bag and freeze flat. Thaw overnight and dump into the slow cooker in the morning.
• This dish also works well with thighs or chicken legs; just add 30–60 minutes to the cook time.
• Add a tablespoon of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Try using peach preserves, pineapple, or orange marmalade; all pair well with BBQ sauce.

These shortcuts can help you stay on track when dinner needs to be low-effort but still feel homemade. The flavor options keep it fresh, so it won’t feel like the same meal every time.

What to Serve with Crockpot Sticky Chicken?

This sticky chicken recipe is perfect over rice and a side of Green Beans with Toasted Walnuts.  Occasionally, I use a bag of frozen seasoned roasted red potatoes with the meat. Here are a few other tasty sides to serve up:

• Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
• World’s Best Cornbread
• Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Dressing
• Simple Sauteed Carrots and Zucchini Recipe
• Creamy Coleslaw with Poppy Seed Dressing

These sides keep the focus on simple comfort without adding more work to your prep. They pair well with the rich sauce and let the chicken shine. Choose one or two based on what you have on hand, and dinner is covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken

This recipe uses a short list of pantry-friendly ingredients to create flavorful sticky apricot chicken. No chopping or marinating is required, which keeps the prep fast and the cleanup easy.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – A lean protein that cooks up tender and holds its shape well in the slow cooker.
• BBQ Sauce – Adds bold, smoky, and tangy flavor that forms the base of the sticky glaze.
• Apricot Preserves – Brings a touch of sweetness and helps create the signature thick, glossy sauce.
• Dry Onion Soup Mix – Adds depth, seasoning, and a savory onion flavor.

These ingredients work together to create a balanced sauce that’s both sweet and savory. The simplicity of the list keeps prep minimal while still delivering great taste.

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How to Make Crock Pot Sticky Chicken

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning. Alternately, you can use a crock pot liner.

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. If they overlap slightly, that’s fine, just try to avoid stacking them. Pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken. Then add the apricot preserves and top with onion soup mix and water.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 5 to 7 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred or slice when done. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and moisture.

Serve with your favorite sides. Looking for a dessert to go with this meal? Try Homemade Peach Upside-Down Cake or Easy No Bake Cherry Cheesecake in a Jar.

Enjoy!