Slow Cooker Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken from Freezer to Table

Finding ways to save time, money and stress while eating healthier is definitely a blessing! That’s why I’m excited to share one of my favorite slow cooker meals, which just so happens to be featured in the helpful new cookbook, From Freezer to Table.

This easy and flavorful Slow Cooker Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken is a definite family favorite, which is why it frequently appears on my weekly whole food meal plans. The all-natural sweetness of apricot jam combined with a flavorful array of seasonings results in a sweet-n-spicy sauce perfect with slow-cooked chicken and your favorite veggies. It’s perfect served over rice, or if you’re grain-free (or just want to add more veggies to your family’s plate, try it with my quick-n-easy Simply Seasoned Cauli-Rice. It’s delish!

It’s not only a healthier option to typical take-out – it’s also no-fuss! Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all of the work! Or save even more time, by placing the ingredients into a freezer-safe container and freezing for an even quicker future meal! (Then, when you’re ready, just pop the freezer meal into your slow cooker, press start and go about your busy day!)

As a busy mom like you, I know it can be a real challenge to get a healthy meal on the table, which is why I’m so excited that my dear friends Polly and Rachel at Thriving Home decided to combine all of their freezer meal expertise into a helpful new cookbook, From Freezer to Table. Their beautiful book contains 75+ delicious family-friendly recipes and how-to-strategies for creating easy, whole food meals that can go from the freezer to the table in a snap!

P.S. If you’re gluten-free like me, you’ll be happy to hear that 20+ of the recipes are gluten-free (including my recipe featured in the book, which I’m sharing below). And of course, many more can easily be adapted to be gluten-free (or even grain-free) by substituting veggie noodles, or veggie rice, for grains.

Another plus is this that book is packed with freezer cooking basics, and lots of great tips for planning Freezer Cooking Parties with friends and family. From Freezer to Table truly contains a wealth of helpful and practical tips for stocking your freezer with lots of simple, healthy meals to make it easier and more enjoyable to gather around the table with those you love, even on the busiest days!

Looking for more delicious slow cooker recipes? Be sure to check out our "Favorite Healthy Whole Food Slow Cooker Recipes Round Up."

Slow Cooker Sweet-n-Spicy Chicken

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups all-fruit apricot jam
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
2 Tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp dried minced onion
2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more for a spicier sauce)
2 Tbsp arrowroot powder (optional, for thickening sauce)

Instructions

1. (Freezing instructions begin here.) Cut chicken thighs into bite-size chunks and place into a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with the bell pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, garlic, soy sauce or coconut aminos, mustard, onion, salt, ginger, and red-pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken and bell pepper.
3. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. When ready to serve, use a slotted spoon to remove chicken from slow cooker and place in a serving dish. Whisk in the arrowroot powder to thicken the sauce, if desired.
4. To serve, ladle the sauce over the chicken and serve with your favorite veggie and a side of basmati rice or simple seasoned cauli-rice. Recipe by Kelly Smith (as featured in From Freezer to Table).

Freezer Meal Instructions

To Freeze: Place the chopped chicken and diced bell pepper into a freezer-safe container. Whisk together the sauce, add it to the container, and freeze.
To Prepare: Thaw the chicken mixture in the refrigerator for about 24 hours (or use the microwave defrost setting and stir occasionally for quick thawing). When ready to cook, follow the cooking instructions beginning in Step 3. Easy and delicious!