Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken Recipe
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Apricot chicken is a simple yet delicious meal that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your table. The chicken stays tender and juicy while the apricot-based glaze thickens into a rich, caramelized coating as it bakes. With only a handful of pantry staples and just 45 minutes from start to finish, it is an easy way to serve up a flavorful, satisfying meal.
After a long day, I always appreciate an oven-baked meal that practically cooks itself. Lately, I have been rotating between bacon-wrapped chicken thighs and baked lemon pepper pork chops, but this apricot chicken has quickly become a favorite. It is an easy go-to for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, and the best part is that it is ready in under an hour. Once you make it, you will see why it is a crowd-pleaser!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for any setting: Whether you need a quick dinner at home or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this recipe fits any occasion.
- Perfect for leftovers: Cook a big batch and store leftovers for a quick and flavorful meal anytime during the week.
- Easily adaptable: Adjust the seasoning, swap ingredients, or toss in extras like herbs or veggies to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Effortless baking: Just combine the ingredients, pour over the chicken, and let the oven take care of the rest while you focus on other things.
- Bold and balanced flavors: Apricots add natural sweetness, chicken broth gives depth, and mustard brings a tangy contrast for a well-rounded sauce.
How to Make Apricot Chicken
You do not need hours in the kitchen to make a flavorful, satisfying meal. With apricot chicken, the oven does all the work while the sauce turns into a rich, caramelized glaze and the chicken stays perfectly juicy. Just coat, bake, and enjoy a meal that looks and tastes impressive with minimal effort.
Want to make this at home? Check out the printable recipe card below for a full ingredient list, exact measurements, and simple step-by-step instructions!
Ingredients You Need
- Bone-in chicken thighs: I prefer using bone-in thighs because they are budget-friendly and pack more flavor. If using boneless, keep an eye on the cook time to prevent them from drying out. Drumsticks are another option, but since they have less meat, you will need twice as many.
- Apricot preserves: For a fresher, more natural taste, choose a variety with real fruit and minimal added sugar.
- Chicken broth: A low-sodium broth works best, giving you more control over the overall seasoning of the dish.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the apricots for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Salt and black pepper
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a light, herby finish to the dish.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Once you try this apricot chicken, you will keep coming back for more. With just five minutes of prep, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and it will do the rest. In just 40 minutes, you will have a juicy, flavor-packed meal with no hassle at all!
Step 1: Get the chicken ready
Set your oven to 375 F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure they are evenly spaced.
Step 2: Whisk the sauce
In a bowl, combine the apricot preserves, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then pour it evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
Step 3: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve warm, spooning the rich, tangy sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Substitutions
No need to stick to just one version of this dish. Swap ingredients based on what you have or what you prefer. Here are some great alternatives to try:
- Swap the protein: Bone-in pork chops work just as well if you want to try a different twist.
- Alternative fruit preserves: No apricot preserves? Use orange or peach marmalade for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
- Broth options: Chicken broth is great, but for a heartier taste, beef broth can be used instead.
- Mustard substitute: If you are out of Dijon, whole-grain mustard makes a great replacement without changing the overall flavor too much.
- Fresh parsley: Use dried parsley (about a third of the amount) or swap it with fresh cilantro or chives for a different flavor.
Expert Tips
- Brown the chicken first: If time allows, brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking. This adds depth to the flavor and keeps the meat extra juicy.
- Let it rest: After baking, give the chicken a few minutes to rest so it stays moist and tender when sliced.
- Toss in some veggies: Baby carrots, bell peppers, or sliced onions make great additions, adding both texture and natural sweetness.
- Add some heat: Try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
- Make extra for drizzling: If you love a saucy dish, double the glaze and use it over veggies, potatoes, or grains.
- Pair with a side: Serve with rice, quinoa, couscous, or a low-carb option to enjoy every bit of the rich, flavorful sauce.
How to Store This Recipe
Once the leftovers have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to two weeks. When ready to serve, warm them on the stovetop until heated through. If frozen, let them defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What to Serve with Apricot Chicken
Enjoy apricot chicken with a side that complements its rich, flavorful sauce. Serve it over fluffy rice, whether it is classic, pilaf-style, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
For something heartier, pair it with sides like roasted green beans, creamy mashed potatoes or a low-carb alternative, a crisp salad, or your favorite bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce. It’s delicious with psyllium husk bread or any flatbread.
More Chicken Dinner Recipes To Try
- Slow cooker salsa chicken
- Chicken cordon bleu
- Slow cooker chicken noodle soup
- Chicken ala king
- Chicken paprikash
Tender and Juicy Apricot Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375 °F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer, making sure they are evenly spaced.
- In a bowl, combine the apricot preserves, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth, then pour it evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve warm, spooning the rich, tangy sauce over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
- If time allows, brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking. This adds depth to the flavor and keeps the meat extra juicy.
- After baking, give the chicken a few minutes to rest so it stays moist and tender when sliced.
- Baby carrots, bell peppers, or sliced onions make great additions, adding both texture and natural sweetness.
- Try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness.
- If you love a saucy dish, double the glaze and use it over veggies, potatoes, or grains.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, couscous, or a low-carb option to enjoy every bit of the rich, flavorful sauce.
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
