Easy Apricot Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Easy Apricot Chicken is the answer! This dish combines the sweetness of apricot preserves with savory seasonings to create a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements tender chicken. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

The dish is made by simmering chicken in a simple apricot glaze, which balances sweet and savory flavors in every bite. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables. For more chicken-based recipes, check out Apricot Chicken with Mustard Glaze and Honey Apricot Glazed Chicken.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Easy Apricot Chicken is a sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful apricot glaze. The sweet apricot preserves paired with savory ingredients like soy sauce and garlic create a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Apricot Sauce:

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves (or apricot jam)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Apricot Sauce:

• In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and create a smooth sauce.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the apricot sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
• Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken further.

Serve:

• Remove from the heat and serve the chicken with the apricot sauce spooned over the top. You can serve it alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Notes

• Add a crunch: For a crunchy texture, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions over the chicken before serving.
• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the apricot sauce for extra heat.
• Alternative proteins: This recipe works well with chicken thighs, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Make it ahead: The apricot sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just heat it up when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Apricot Chicken Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Make the Apricot Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt or more mustard if you prefer a tangier flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
   • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Add the Apricot Glaze:
   • Pour the apricot glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are well-coated.
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Advanced Techniques

1. Grilled Apricot Chicken

For a smoky twist on this recipe, try grilling the chicken instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat, and grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Brush the apricot glaze over the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra caramelized finish.

2. Adding Spice to the Glaze

If you prefer a bit of heat to balance the sweetness of the apricot, add a small amount of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or sriracha to the glaze. A dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile and make it more dynamic.

3. Make It a One-Pan Meal

To make the dish a one-pan meal, add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the pan before baking. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. The vegetables will cook alongside the chicken and soak up the delicious apricot glaze, making it a complete meal in one dish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Easy Apricot Chicken is perfect for meal prep and storing leftovers. Here are some tips on how to store and reheat the dish:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The apricot glaze will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on medium for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also drizzle a little extra apricot glaze over the chicken before microwaving to keep it juicy.
• Oven: To reheat in the oven, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

2. Low-Carb/Keto

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, pair the Easy Apricot Chicken with cauliflower rice or a low-carb vegetable like zucchini noodles. Be mindful of the apricot preserves, as they contain sugar. You can substitute with a sugar-free apricot jam or use a low-carb fruit alternative.

3. Dairy-Free

This recipe is naturally dairy-free. If you’re serving the chicken with a side dish, just ensure that your sides are also dairy-free, and you’ll have a well-rounded dairy-free meal.

4. Vegetarian

For a vegetarian version of this recipe, try substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can cook the tofu in the same way—pan-searing it before adding the apricot glaze and baking it.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They are more flavorful and tender, and the apricot glaze will complement them perfectly. Just be sure to cook the thighs for a bit longer, about 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I make the apricot glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the apricot glaze a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it slightly before using it in the recipe.

Can I use apricot nectar instead of preserves?

Yes, you can use apricot nectar as a substitute for apricot preserves, but it may result in a thinner glaze. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the nectar in a saucepan for a few minutes until it reduces slightly before using it in the recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables to the pan before baking. Roasted carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers would pair wonderfully with this sweet and savory chicken.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The safest way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and once it reads 165°F (75°C), your chicken is done.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Easy Apricot Chicken is the perfect dish when you need a quick and flavorful meal that requires minimal ingredients and effort. The balance of sweet apricot preserves with savory chicken creates a glaze that is both delightful and simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress.

Its versatility allows you to make this dish your own by adding vegetables, switching up the protein, or adjusting the level of sweetness or heat in the glaze. Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a flavorful dinner on the table that everyone will love!