Irresistible Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe That Everyone Loves

Golden rays of summer shine on this delectable quick apricot chicken masterpiece that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Succulent chicken pieces dance with vibrant apricot glaze, creating a symphony of sweet and savory notes.

Mediterranean influences whisper through every bite, inviting you to savor unexpected flavor combinations.

Tender meat absorbs rich, tangy sauce in mere minutes of preparation.

Simple ingredients collaborate effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Weeknight cooking just became significantly more exciting with this elegant yet uncomplicated dish.

Bring passion to your kitchen and watch magic unfold on your plate.

Quick Apricot Chicken Storage And Warming Guide

• Store leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and safety.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer chicken to a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely through.
• Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best taste and texture.

Fast Matches for Quick Apricot Chicken

• Complement the rich, fruity chicken with a crisp Riesling that balances the sweet and savory notes perfectly.
• Serve alongside a light cucumber and mint salad to provide a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, saucy chicken.
• Uncork a glass of Pinot Noir to enhance the BBQ sauce's depth and match the apricot's subtle sweetness, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Sprinkle toasted almonds or sesame seeds over the dish to introduce a delightful crispy element that adds complexity to each bite.

Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe Easy Adjustments for Variety

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace BBQ sauce and soy sauce with low-sodium alternatives or homemade versions using herbs and spices for flavor enhancement.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using plant-based honey alternative like agave nectar for similar sweet profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to introduce heat and complexity to the original apricot chicken recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, turkey breast, or even pork tenderloin for a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Check that your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free, or use alternative versions to make the dish completely gluten-free.

• How spicy is this chicken dish?

The recipe is mild and sweet with no inherent heat. If you want more kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.

Quick Apricot Chicken With Fast Flavor

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Perfect weeknight dinner solution that requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet and tangy apricot jam with savory BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend that surprises taste buds.
• Time-Saving Wonder: Prepares in under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy families needing quick, delicious meals.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved dish that offers balanced flavors and protein-packed chicken, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys dinner.

What Goes Into Quick Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender protein that serves as the main component of the dish, best when fresh and evenly diced.

• Sesame Oil, Neutral Oil: Provides a rich base for cooking and adds subtle nutty or neutral flavor to the chicken.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory foundation for the sauce.

• Orange Juice: Adds bright, citrusy note and helps create a light and tangy sauce.
• Apricot Jam or Preserves: Delivers sweet, fruity flavor and helps thicken the sauce with natural pectin.
• BBQ Sauce: Contributes smoky and sweet undertones to the overall dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami depth and salty complexity to balance the sweetness.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that adds smooth, rich sweetness and helps glaze the chicken.

Quick Apricot Chicken How-To

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Grab a spacious skillet and drizzle oil across the bottom.

Set the heat to medium, allowing the surface to become evenly heated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Drop diced chicken pieces into the hot skillet.

Let them sizzle and transform into a golden-brown color, developing rich flavor and creating a delicious exterior.

Step 3: Enhance with Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir the ingredients around, letting them dance and release their incredible fragrant notes throughout the pan.

Step 4: Create the Luscious Sauce

• Orange juice
• Apricot jam
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Blend everything together, creating a glossy and tantalizing sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Allow the mixture to bubble gently, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a thick, clingy glaze that hugs each chicken piece, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Transfer the saucy chicken onto a bed of fluffy rice or alongside your preferred side dish.

Enjoy the meal while it’s steaming hot and bursting with flavor.

Quick Tips for Apricot Chicken

• Marinate chicken in orange juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance tenderness and depth of taste.
• Let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce liquid and create a richer, more concentrated glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Adjust honey and apricot jam quantities to control the dish's sweetness, making it suitable for different palate preferences.
• Replace BBQ sauce with low-sodium alternatives or homemade version to reduce salt content and make the recipe more health-conscious.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce, then store in airtight containers for quick lunches or dinner throughout the week, ensuring maximum flavor retention.

Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent apricot chicken delivers Mediterranean warmth with tender meat glazed in sweet-tangy sauce. Delightful dinner comes together effortlessly, promising comfort and rich flavor that will satisfy your culinary cravings.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless diced chicken breast

Fruits and Sweeteners:

• 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the poultry.
2. Introduce chicken pieces to the heated surface, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, ensuring rich caramelization and flavor development.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, gently sautéing until they release their fragrant essence and become translucent.
4. Create a vibrant sauce by combining orange juice, apricot jam, tangy BBQ sauce, umami-rich soy sauce, and sweet honey, whisking them together in the skillet.
5. Reduce heat and let the mixture gently simmer, periodically stirring to prevent sticking and promote sauce thickening, while simultaneously cooking the chicken to tender perfection.
6. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe cooking point with no pink remaining.
7. Once the sauce has reached a glossy, slightly reduced consistency and the chicken is thoroughly cooked, remove from heat.
8. Plate the succulent chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or your preferred accompaniment, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier preparation.
• Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
• Use fresh garlic and finely chop onions for more intense, aromatic taste profile.
• Balance sweet and tangy elements by adjusting jam and sauce quantities to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg