Sweet & Smoky Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe That Kids Love

Weeknight dinners become magical when you add a delightful barbecue apricot chicken twist to your meal planning.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across tender meat, creating an unexpected culinary experience.

Bold spices complement the fruity glaze, turning an ordinary protein into something extraordinary.

Marinating transforms ordinary chicken into a succulent masterpiece that sparks conversation around the table.

Fresh apricots bring bright, sunny notes to this simple yet impressive dish.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under an hour.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new go-to for impressing dinner companions without spending hours in the kitchen.

Creative Variations for Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Vegan Apricot Tofu Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cut into slices. Marinate tofu in the same apricot sauce for 2-3 hours, then grill or bake until crispy edges form.
• Low-Carb Apricot Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken into cubes, thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions. Reduce preserves for a lower sugar option, using sugar-free barbecue sauce.
• Spicy Apricot Chicken Remix: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a kick. Include jalapeños when grilling for extra heat and complexity.

Serving Ideas for Barbecue Apricot Chicken Delights

• Summer Picnic Delight: Pack this tangy chicken in a cooler with fresh salads and crusty bread for an outdoor feast that'll wow your friends and family.
• Elegant Dinner Plate: Slice the chicken and arrange over a bed of wild rice pilaf, drizzling extra sauce on top for a restaurant-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
• Leftover Magic: Shred the cold chicken and toss into a vibrant summer salad with mixed greens, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette for a quick and delicious next-day lunch.
• Sandwich Sensation: Create gourmet sandwiches by layering the sliced chicken on ciabatta bread with crisp lettuce, a smear of extra apricot sauce, and some creamy goat cheese.

Best Practices to Store Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Store leftover barbecue apricot chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs often have more flavor and stay juicier during cooking, making them a great alternative.

• How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight marinating will give you the most intense and delicious flavor. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more it will absorb those sweet and tangy apricot barbecue flavors.

• Is it safe to use the marinade for basting?

No, never use the marinade that raw chicken has been in. Always reserve some marinade separately before adding the chicken, which is why the recipe instructs you to set aside half the marinade before marinating.

Smoky and Sweet Barbecue Apricot Chicken to Savor

• Boost Flavor Dramatically: The unique marinade blends sweet apricot preserves with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering taste explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal.
• Flexibility in Cooking: Easily adaptable to both grill and oven methods, this recipe offers versatility for different cooking preferences and kitchen setups, making it perfect for various cooking environments.
• Quick Prep, Big Impact: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without requiring advanced culinary skills, allowing home cooks to impress family and friends effortlessly.
• Meal Prep Champion: Marinate chicken ahead of time and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal that can be prepared quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: The star of the recipe that provides a lean and flavorful base for the barbecue marinade.

• Apricot Preserves: Adds a sweet and fruity flavor that complements the savory chicken.
• Barbecue Sauce: Provides a classic smoky and tangy taste to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a rich umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Dijon Mustard: Offers a sharp and slightly spicy undertone to the marinade.

• Garlic, Ground Ginger, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile and add complexity to the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for preventing sticking and ensuring a smooth cooking process.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How to Make Juicy and Flavorful Barbecue Apricot Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Apricot preserves
• Barbecue sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients become best friends and create a harmonious blend.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bath

Grab your chicken breasts or thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

Pour half of the magical sauce over the chicken, keeping the other half as a secret weapon for later.

Seal the bag or cover the dish, then send it on a flavor vacation in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for super-intense deliciousness).

Step 3: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Get your grill blazing at medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Remove the chicken from its marinade bath, saying goodbye to the used marinade.

For grill masters, brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Baking enthusiasts, grease your baking dish with olive oil.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or bake for 25-30 minutes.

Your goal is to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) – this ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

In the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved sauce.

This adds an extra layer of wow to your dish.

Step 6: Rest and Dress

Pull the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Pro Tips for Perfectly Grilled Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Let chicken marinate overnight to deepen the sweet and tangy apricot-barbecue taste.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken at 165F.
• Easily adapt the recipe by grilling for charred edges or baking for convenient indoor cooking.
• Baste with reserved marinade during final cooking minutes to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro to add bright, fresh notes to the finished dish.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent barbecue apricot chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from Mediterranean culinary traditions. Grilling techniques and fresh ingredients create a delightful meal you’ll savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together apricot preserves, barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Transfer chicken to a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour half the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Seal the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply; overnight marination will intensify the taste profile.
4. Prepare cooking surface by preheating grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or oven to 375°F, creating an optimal cooking environment.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding the used liquid to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Lubricate grill grates or baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy release.
7. For grilling, cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to create beautiful crosshatch marks. For oven method, bake in prepared dish for 25-30 minutes.
8. Monitor internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
9. During final cooking minutes, brush reserved marinade over chicken to enhance flavor and create a glossy finish.
10. After cooking, allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant presentation and added aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, richer flavor absorption, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance taste complexity.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exact 165F internal temperature, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Swap apricot preserves with alternative fruit preserves like peach or mango for exciting flavor variations that complement the barbecue sauce.
• For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free barbecue sauce to maintain recipe’s delicious profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg