Apricot Chicken

Apricot Chicken is one of those comforting, feel-good dishes that can brighten up any dinner table. Imagine tender chicken thighs soaking in a luscious, sweet apricot sauce that’s just bursting with flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also brings together a delightful blend of savory and sweet, making it a hit for both family dinners and cozy nights in. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, you’ll find joy in making this dish. Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking! Grab your apron, because we’re about to embark on a delicious culinary adventure.

What is Apricot Chicken

Apricot chicken is a delightful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with a luscious, sweet apricot sauce. This dish is known for its savory-sweet profile, making it a unique centerpiece for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Apricot Chicken

This apricot chicken recipe is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor. The juicy chicken thighs pair beautifully with the sweet apricot sauce, creating a delectable experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients for Apricot Chicken

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅔ cup apricot preserves
• ½ medium orange, juiced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Scallions, sliced, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This simple step helps with cleanup later!

Season the Chicken Thighs

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel; this helps the seasonings stick better.

Coat the Chicken in Seasoning

Add the chicken thighs to the oil mixture, tossing them gently to ensure they are evenly coated. Simple as that! You want every bite packed with flavor.

Bake the Chicken Thighs

Transfer the seasoned chicken to the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should look golden brown and tempting!

Making the Apricot Sauce

Combine Sauce Ingredients

While the chicken is baking, prepare the apricot sauce. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the apricot preserves, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Whisk and Simmer the Sauce

Whisk the sauce ingredients together until well combined. Continue whisking frequently until the mixture begins to bubble. Keep an eye on it; bubbling means you’re on the right track!

Thicken the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 4-6 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is when all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Toss the Chicken in Apricot Sauce

Once the chicken is fully cooked, add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken to coat it thoroughly in the apricot sauce. Make sure every piece gets some love!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious apricot chicken hot, garnished with sliced scallions. It pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can plate it up however you like!

Variations

• Apricot Chicken with Almonds: Add sliced almonds for a crunchy texture. They add a nice contrast to the tender chicken.
• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for added heat. Perfect for those who like a kick!
• Apricot BBQ Chicken: Substitute apricot preserves with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. This variation makes for a fantastic barbecue option.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry for better seasoning adherence and crispiness when baking. The little things make a big difference!
• Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for a richer flavor profile. Good things take time!
• Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness accurately. Better safe than sorry!

Storage Tips

Store any leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy that yummy flavor again.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as bone-in thighs may require longer to cook.

Can I freeze apricot chicken?
Absolutely! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
Peach or mango preserves can be excellent alternatives. Feel free to experiment!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This apricot chicken is great for meal prep and can be stored for easy reheating throughout the week. Makes life so much simpler!

Can I make a vegetarian version?
You can substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and follow the same sauce preparation for a delicious vegetarian dish.

This apricot chicken recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. It provides a delightful blend of flavors that are easy to prepare any night of the week. So, gather your loved ones and savor this savory-sweet dish together!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:

• Salisbury Steak
• Swiss Steak
• Michael Symon Roast Chicken
• Butter Chicken

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Apricot Chicken

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Apricot Chicken brings together juicy chicken thighs and a sweet, savory apricot sauce for a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare. Perfect for family meals!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅔ cup apricot preserves
• ½ medium orange, juiced (about ¼ cup)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon chili powder
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Scallions, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Pat the chicken dry and mix well to coat.
• Place the seasoned chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
• In a skillet, combine apricot preserves, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Whisk together and simmer for 4-6 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Toss cooked chicken in the apricot sauce and serve garnished with scallions.

Notes

Ensure the chicken thighs are patted dry for better seasoning adherence.
Allow the sauce to simmer long enough for a richer flavor profile.
A meat thermometer is helpful to check for the chicken’s doneness.

• Author: Rachael
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22
• Sodium: 800
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 3
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 32
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 32
• Cholesterol: 100