Slow-cooked Apricot-thyme Chicken (redux)

Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 12 chicken thighs (boneless, skinlesss)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
• 3/4 cup apricot preserves (or jam)
• 1 cup dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional)

Recipe

• 1 season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
• 2 in a pan, heat oil and butter and place chicken thighs in it. saute until lightly browned.
• 3 arrange chicken pieces in 3-4 quart slow cooker.
• 4 use the sherry to deglaze the pan, stirring until the volume is reduced by half.
• 5 mix remaining ingredients in the pan and pour over chicken. stir to coat.
• 6 cover crock pot and cook on low for until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. in my hamilton beach, it's about 4 hours, but cooking times vary so much in slow cookers, it's best to check.
• 7 optional: when the dish is almost ready, combine the cornstarch with 3 tablespoons liquid from the crock pot and mix until smooth. add back to the crock pot; turn to high for 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened.