Zesty Apricot Chicken Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Culinary magic happens when succulent apricot chicken meets your dinner table with unexpected flair.

Tender meat transforms through a surprising blend of sweet and savory notes.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this elegant or effortless.

A simple marinade brings complex flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite.

Bright fruit and aromatic spices create a remarkable dining experience you’ll absolutely adore.

This recipe promises to become your new favorite comfort meal.

Quick Apricot Chicken That’s Ready to Impress

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: This apricot chicken recipe delivers an incredible taste adventure with its sweet and tangy glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Using just one skillet and a handful of pantry ingredients, this recipe makes dinner preparation quick and stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile dish allows substitutions like different preserves or herbs, making it adaptable to personal tastes and what's available in your kitchen.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: The combination of apricot preserves, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard creates a professional-level glaze that rivals restaurant dishes without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for Quick and Tasty Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Fresh cuts of chicken that serve as the primary protein base for this flavorful dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.
• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps brown the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

• Apricot Preserves: A sweet and tangy fruit spread that creates the primary flavor profile of the chicken glaze.
• Soy Sauce: A savory condiment that adds depth and umami to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: A sharp and tangy mustard that provides complexity to the glaze.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds aromatic warmth to the sauce.
• Ginger: An optional spice that brings a subtle, zesty kick to the glaze.

• Chicken Broth or Water: A liquid base that helps create and thin out the glaze.

• Fresh Herbs: A light, green topping that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

Simple Instructions for Quick Apricot Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring an even coating that will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes hot.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, watching for a rich golden color and ensuring the meat is completely cooked through with no pink remaining in the center.

Gently transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Glaze

• Apricot preserves
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Stir the ingredients together, creating a vibrant and aromatic sauce base.

Step 5: Simmer the Glaze

Pour chicken broth or water into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Allow the glaze to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and develops a glossy consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Glaze

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the luscious apricot glaze.

Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the glazed chicken to serving plates.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the glaze is glossy.

Pro Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Quick Apricot Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out the meat.
• Toast minced garlic and ginger briefly before adding preserves to release deeper, richer aromatics and intensify the glaze's taste.
• Swap apricot preserves with peach or mango preserves for different fruity flavor profiles that complement the chicken.
• If glaze becomes too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or water; if too thin, simmer longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.
• Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch that elevates the dish's overall texture and visual appeal.

Fun Variations to Customize Quick Apricot Chicken

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and marinating before cooking to absorb the apricot glaze flavors.
• Spicy Apricot Fusion: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the glaze for a kick of heat and complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip preserves and create a glaze using fresh apricots, monk fruit sweetener, and reduced chicken broth for a lower sugar version.

Serving Suggestions for Quick Apricot Chicken

• Tangy Side Kick: Pair the apricot chicken with a zesty quinoa salad loaded with fresh herbs, diced cucumber, and a lemony vinaigrette for a bright, refreshing complement.
• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious apricot glaze and create a satisfying meal.
• Green Scene Booster: Add steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans to bring color, nutrition, and a crisp texture that balances the rich chicken glaze.
• Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives on top to add a pop of fresh flavor and elegant presentation that elevates the entire dish.

How to Keep Quick Apricot Chicken Fresh Longer

• Store leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Thighs are often more flavorful and juicy, and they work perfectly with this apricot glaze.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe completely gluten-free. Check your Dijon mustard label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

• How can I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cook the chicken on medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s cooked but still moist.

Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired quick apricot chicken sings with tangy sweetness and herbal complexity. Succulent chicken breasts mingle with golden apricot sauce, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasonings and Spices:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and generously season with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping warm.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and immediately add apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
6. Whisk ingredients together, creating a vibrant and fragrant sauce mixture.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring continuously to incorporate all ingredients.
8. Simmer sauce for 4-5 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken, developing a rich, glossy consistency.
9. Gently return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the aromatic apricot glaze.
10. Allow chicken to reheat in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete flavor infusion.
11. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
12. Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining glaze over the chicken for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for quick and even cooking, ensuring tender and juicy results every time.
• Use high-quality apricot preserves with minimal added sugars to achieve a more authentic and balanced glaze flavor.
• Consider reducing sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and choosing reduced-sugar apricot preserves for a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian adaptation that maintains the delicious sweet and tangy glaze profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 185 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg