Flavorful Central Valley Chicken – If you’re on the quest for a chicken knockout that’s both savory and sweet, this Flavorful Central Valley Chicken will smash the spot. Delicate chicken thighs are flowed in a rich glaze created from apricot jam, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Creating a flavor explosion with every nibble. The best part? You can whip this up in under an hour. Making it the flawless pick for busy weeknights or even memorable assemblages. Its tempting balance of sweetness and savory goodness will have everyone requesting for seconds.
The first time I made this recipe. I was recreating about in the kitchen, not foreseeing much. But it quickly became a star at the dinner table! My husband, who’s usually skeptical of sweet flavors in savory dishes, was pleasantly astonished by the tangy mustard balancing out the apricot jam. Even our fussy eater was asking for more. Which is always a victory in my book! Now, it’s become one of those go-to recipes that’s excellent when we’re dreaming of something wholehearted. But don’t carry a bunch of time to spare.
What makes this Flavorful Central Valley Chicken truly special?
What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly it brings together gutsy, mouthwatering savors. With just a few straightforward components. The sweet apricot jam, zesty Dijon mustard, and savory soy sauce work together. To construct this amazing, sticky glaze that blankets the chicken and holds it juicy and tender. It’s the kind of feast that delights everyone—kids and grown-ups alike—and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to assemble. Excellent for those occupied weeknights when you desire something scrumptious. Without consuming hours in the kitchen. The tiniest effort, ultimate flavor!
What You Need To Make This Flavorful Central Valley Chicken Recipe?
Chicken Thighs: The star of this dish! I love using chicken thighs because they’re naturally juicy and full of flavor. Plus, they hold up really well to the rich, sticky glaze.
Apricot Jam: This is where the sweetness comes from. It balances the tang of the mustard and the saltiness of the soy sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Soy Sauce: Adds a rich umami depth to the dish. Go easy on the salt at first, since the soy sauce has plenty of its own.
Dijon Mustard: A little tangy, a little sharp—it cuts through the sweetness of the jam, giving the chicken that perfect bite.
Garlic Powder & Ginger: These spices add warmth and an aromatic base to the dish without overpowering the main flavors.
Onions: Cooked down with the sauce, they add a lovely layer of sweetness and texture.
Steps To Make Flavorful Central Valley Chicken:
Step 1: Initiate by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats up, take a few minutes to snip any excess fat from your chicken thighs, holding them nice and lean. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper—don’t go too weighty since the soy sauce will add its own rush of saltiness.
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Step 2: Now for the sauce: spoon the apricot jam directly onto the chicken, followed by the Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and honey. Don’t worry about mixing in a separate bowl—just use a spatula to blend and spread the sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated.
Step 3: Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, ground ginger, and finely diced onions evenly over the chicken. Glide the dish into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After that, pull the dish out and spoon some of that beautiful, sticky sauce from the bottom back over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Pop it back in for another 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the chicken is tender and caramelized.
Step 4: For an extra burst of flavor, add a little more apricot jam on top before serving. Entrust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Tip:
For extra depth of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking—just enough time to really let the apricot, mustard, and soy sauce meld with the meat. If you like your sauce a bit thicker, try simmering it on the stove for a few minutes before adding it to the chicken. The sugars in the jam will caramelize and create an even richer glaze. And don’t forget: brushing on extra sauce halfway through baking helps keep the chicken juicy and bursting with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they might cook a little faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. It also reheats beautifully.
Can I use other types of jam?
Yes, peach or even plum jam would also work well with this recipe, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Flavorful Central Valley Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1 c apricot jam
- 3-4 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ c finely diced onions
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Initiate by trimming any surplus fat from the chicken thighs and setting them snugly in an oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Lightly spice the chicken with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that the soy sauce will add additional salt to the dish.
- Following, spoon the apricot jam over the chicken, then drizzle with Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and honey. Use a spatula or your hands to coat the chicken thoroughly with the sauce, making sure it's well covered.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, ground ginger, and diced onions evenly over the chicken.
- Pop the dish in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes. When that time's up, pull the dish out and baste the chicken with the delicious sauce that’s pooled at the bottom. This will hold the chicken succulent and scrumptious.
- Yield the dish to the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. Or until the chicken comes to an internal temperature of 165°F and is beautifully glazed.
- For an extra sweet finish, add a little more jam on top before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
