A delicious and warming slow cooker meal, this Orange & Apricot Chicken is fully Paleo with an AIP option. This allergy friendly recipe is packed with flavor!
This slow cooker chicken recipe is one of my favorites. I used to make this weekly back in college because it's an easy paleo recipe that is packed with protein. This flavorful orange chicken is marinated in fresh orange juice and delicious spices then paired with apricots and carrots. Trust me, it's the perfect combination!
This gluten free chicken recipe is paleo, dairy free, and nut free. You can easily make this recipe completely AIP and nightshade free by eliminating the paprika, it's not needed, but does add a little bit extra spice to the sweetness of the apricots.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast
- Oranges: the juice will be used to marinate the chicken in
- Ground ginger: for a little bit of kick
- Ground cinnamon: delicious, warming flavor
- Nutmeg: more warming flavor
- Paprika: compliments the other spices for a bit more flavor
- Ground turmeric: anti inflammatory
- Salt: flavor!
- Dried apricots: add sweetness to this recipe, but pair perfectly with all the spices
- Carrots: a hearty root vegetable that compliments the apricots, chicken and spices
Substitutions
- Chicken: I have not tried this recipe with chicken thighs, but I think it could be delicious!
- Spices: the combination of spices is what brings this dish together, but if you are AIP, substitute the nutmeg for mace and leave out the paprika.
- Dried apricots: this dish is built around the apricots, so I highly suggest using them. You could always try dried prunes or figs, but I can't promise the outcome.
- Carrots: the carrots compliment the other flavors in this recipe, but you could try another root vegetable like sweet potato which has a similar flavor profile.
Crockpot vs. Instant Pot
Crockpot is a type of slow cooker that cooks dishes on a low heat over a prolonged period of time. This helps obtain delicate and juicy cuts of meat and soft vegetables.
The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker so it does the opposite of a slow cooker. It cooks things much quicker, but it is often a multi-cooker with other functions.
Crockpot chicken is always so tender and moist (honestly, slow cooker any meat!), but you can also use an Instant Pot on the slow cooker function. You will just pick the medium heat setting for the same amount of time. You also need to make sure there is at least 1 cup of liquid in the pot. I just add a little bit of broth or water to the leftover juice mixture that you will marinate the chicken in to reach 1 cup, then add that to the pot.
I love using either device on the slow cooker setting because you just put everything in, walk away, and then you have a delicious dinner ready to go when you get home at the end of the day! Slow cooker recipes are some of my favorites.
Storage
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This recipe tastes best fresh and I don't advise freezing, as it doesn't freeze great. But, if you decide to freeze leftovers, portion them into individual, freezer safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 300F for 45 minutes.
More slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes
Instant Pot Chicken and White Bean Soup
Slow Cooker Orange & Apricot Chicken with Carrots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. chicken breast
- 2 oranges juiced
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg use mace for AIP
- ½ teaspoon paprika omit for AIP
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 8 medium carrots chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken into a large freezer bag or bowl. Mix the spices in a small bowl and sprinkle them over the chicken.
- Squeeze the juice of the 2 oranges into the bag and place the squeezed up oranges in the bag too. Put in fridge and let sit for 2 hours and up to overnight.
- Once the chicken has marinated, place the chicken into your crockpot and add the carrots and apricots. Mix everything so that the carrots and apricots get covered in the juices, too.
- If you are using an Instant Pot, make sure there is at least 1 cup of liquid in the the pot. See notes above for details.
- Set your crockpot to low for 4-6 hours, until chicken is done- moist and delicious. If using an Instant Pot, cook for 6 hours.
paleoinpdx says
This sounds wonderful! I love slow cooker meals, so I'll have to give this a try.
Lemons 'n Lyme says
Let me know what you think if you do try it! I love slow cooker meals too, so easy and delicious 🙂
Ann Marie Koshuta says
I wish I had a slow cooker. This looks yummy!
Victoria Faling says
You and dad would love a slow cooker I think. Easy way to make soups and chilis and more!
Randy says
Looks delicious 😋. We just made a Chicken thigh orange marmalade over harvest grains the other night. Have you tried the Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains?
Victoria Faling says
Unfortunately, TJ's is across town from me so I haven't gotten to try much of their selection. That orange chicken sounds delicious though! I'll have to see if I can get my hands on the harvest grains