I’m a sucker for dinners that use bugger all ingredients! So yes, that means I do not shy away from using packets of things rather than one million different herbs and spices.
This comforting classic costs under $15 to make and feeds our family of four (2 adults and 2 kids) perfectly. It’s ideal for busy weekdays when you just want to throw everything in and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
This can also easily be done in a frying pan on the stove too if you aren’t keen on using a slow cooker.
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 2–3 hours (High) or 4–6 hours (Low)
- Servings: 4
- Cost: Under $15 NZD
Ingredients
- Chicken breast (approx. $9) — Note: Chicken thighs or drumsticks work brilliantly here, too!
- 1 tin (400g) Apricot halves in juice or syrup (e.g., Pams, ~$1.20)
- 1 packet Maggi Apricot Chicken Recipe Base (~$1.50–$3.00)
- 1 medium White onion, diced
Optional (For Serving)
- Freshly made mashed potatoes
- Cooked green peas
Method
- Prep the base: Slice the white onion and place it into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken: Arrange your chicken breasts (or thighs/drumsticks) evenly over the onions.
- Combine & pour: In a bowl or glass measuring jug, mix together the tin of apricot halves (including the juice) and the packet of Maggi Apricot Chicken mix until combined. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you want to put it on early morning, I would do two tins of apricots as chicken is notorious for drying out in the slow cooker if on all day.
- Shred or slice (optional): If using chicken breast, you can slice or gently shred it in the sauce using two forks before serving.
- Serve: Spoon over a generous mound of creamy mashed potato with a side of steamed green peas to soak up all that rich, sweet, and savoury sauce!
