Tangy Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My latest culinary adventure with barbecue apricot chicken sparked unexpected delight in my kitchen.

Succulent poultry meets sweet-tangy glaze, creating a mouthwatering combination that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this sophisticated yet effortless.

Summer grilling demands bold flavor profiles that surprise and satisfy.

Charred edges and caramelized fruit notes promise a meal everyone will remember.

Mixed spices complement the apricot’s natural sweetness, making each bite a delectable journey.

Run to your grill and make magic happen tonight.

What You Use In BBQ Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in cuts provide rich flavor and tender meat. Best when skinless for healthier preparation.

• Apricots, Apricot Preserves: Fresh apricots add natural sweetness and texture. Preserves intensify fruity flavor and help create sticky glaze.

• Chicken Seasoning Blend: Provides balanced spice and depth to chicken. Choose low-sodium version for controlled salt intake.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Chicken Broth or Apple/Apricot Juice: Creates moisture and helps develop sauce. Adds extra layer of fruit or savory flavor.
• Barbecue Sauce: Gives classic smoky-sweet element to the recipe. Look for balanced, not overly sweet versions.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even cooking. Neutral flavor works well with other ingredients.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion brightness.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in oil.

The pan should be hot enough to create a sizzling sound when the oil hits the surface.

Step 2: Caramelize Apricots

Place apricots in the skillet and cook until they develop a golden-brown color and slightly soften.

Remove the caramelized apricots and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

• Chicken thighs
• Chicken seasoning

Add the remaining oil to the same skillet.

Sprinkle chicken thighs with seasoning and place them in the pan.

Cook until each side turns a beautiful golden-brown color, creating a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 4: Infuse with Garlic Aroma

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and releases its incredible flavor throughout the skillet.

Step 5: Create the Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Apricot preserves
• Barbecue sauce

Pour in chicken broth, apricot preserves, and barbecue sauce.

Stir everything together, creating a rich and tangy sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 6: Simmer to Perfection

Return the caramelized apricots to the skillet.

Cover and let the chicken simmer until it’s completely cooked through and tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Plate the chicken and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Smart Advice for Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Use a high-heat, non-stick skillet to achieve a golden-brown color without burning the fruit's delicate sugars.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and moisture, ensuring tender and succulent meat.
• Adjust the ratio of barbecue sauce and apricot preserves to create a harmonious blend that complements the chicken's richness.
• Swap chicken seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile, or use a low-sodium alternative for dietary needs.
• Marinate chicken thighs in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of flavor and tenderness.

Reheat Barbecue Apricot Chicken Without Drying It Out

• Store leftover barbecue apricot chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm chicken over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent tough meat texture.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.

Complements to Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this barbecue apricot chicken with crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose citrusy notes complement the sweet-tangy sauce.
• Textural Contrast Companion: Serve alongside pearl couscous or wild rice pilaf to soak up the rich, fruity sauce and provide a delightful textural counterpoint.
• Bright Vegetable Accent: Add roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini with a light lemon seasoning to cut through the chicken's richness and provide fresh, green brightness.
• Cooling Side Kick: Create a simple cucumber-mint salad to balance the dish's warm, sweet flavors and offer a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe Recipe Edits to Consider

• Vegan Apricot Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using plant-based barbecue sauce and vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Summer Feast: Swap regular barbecue sauce with gluten-free certified sauce, ensuring all ingredients are celiac-friendly and using tamari instead of traditional soy products.
• Low-Carb Apricot Chicken Bowl: Skip preserves, use fresh apricots, and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Apricot Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking to create a zesty version with extra heat and complexity for spice lovers.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts cook faster and can become tough if overcooked, so reduce simmering time and check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Is this recipe spicy or kid-friendly?

This barbecue apricot chicken is mild and sweet, making it perfect for families. The combination of apricot preserves and barbecue sauce creates a gentle, tangy flavor that most children enjoy.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

No special equipment is required. A standard skillet with a lid works perfectly. You’ll just need basic cooking tools like a skillet, measuring spoons, and a spatula.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken a day in advance and reheat gently in the skillet or microwave. The flavors actually improve when the dish sits overnight, allowing the sauce to further penetrate the chicken.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Glazed To Perfection

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet apricot preserves with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a mouthwatering glaze that transforms simple chicken thighs into a gourmet-style dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet method, reducing dish washing and making meal preparation hassle-free for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works brilliantly for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even meal-prepping, appealing to both adults and kids with its balanced, kid-friendly flavor profile.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling “Barbecue Apricot Chicken” delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Juicy chicken marinated in a rich apricot glaze promises a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs

Fresh Produce and Aromatics:

• 6 to 8 small apricots, halved and seeds removed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

Cooking and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chicken seasoning blend (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth (or apple/apricot juice)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apricot preserves (sugar-free option available)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet to medium temperature and drizzle oil across the surface.
2. Gently caramelize apricots until they develop a golden-brown exterior, then transfer to a separate plate.
3. Season chicken thighs with aromatic spices and place them in the identical skillet, allowing each side to develop a rich, bronze crust.
4. Introduce finely chopped garlic into the pan, stirring until its fragrance permeates the kitchen.
5. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together chicken broth, tangy apricot preserves, and smoky barbecue sauce directly in the skillet.
6. Nestle the previously caramelized apricots among the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
7. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to gently simmer until it reaches complete doneness and absorbs the complex sauce flavors.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with delicate green onion slivers for a fresh, aromatic finish.
9. Plate the chicken, ensuring each serving includes a generous portion of the caramelized apricots and rich sauce.

Notes

• Select chicken thighs with bone-in for deeper flavor and juicier meat during cooking.
• Caramelize apricots slowly to develop rich, sweet undertones without burning them.
• Use low-sodium barbecue sauce to control salt content and prevent over-seasoning.
• For gluten-free version, replace standard barbecue sauce with certified gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg