Classic Apricot Chicken – Get ready to fall in love. With this Classic Apricot Chicken! This dish melds tender chicken thighs. With a deliciously sweet and tangy apricot sauce. With just the right blend of soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. And a hint of garlic. This recipe will quickly. Become a favorite. At your dinner table. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. This Classic Apricot Chicken is simple. And delightful.
The first time I made. This Classic Apricot Chicken. It was an instant hit. With my family. I remember the look of surprise. On my husband’s face as he took his first bite. He couldn’t believe how flavorful the chicken was. My child. Who is usually a picky eater. Asked for seconds! This recipe has now become. A regular in our household. Especially on busy weeknights. When I need something quick yet delicious.
What makes this Classic Apricot Chicken truly special?
This Classic Apricot Chicken recipe. Is a quick and easy dish. That’s perfect. For busy weeknights. Combining the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs. With a sweet and tangy apricot sauce. The delightful blend of apricot jam, soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. Creates a rich. And flavorful glaze. While the addition of ground ginger. And a hint of red pepper flakes. Adds a subtle kick. The result. Is a versatile. And crowd-pleasing meal. That pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Making it an instant family favorite.
What You Need To Make This Classic Apricot Chicken Recipe?
Apricot Jam: This is the heart of our sauce. Providing a sweet and fruity base. Using a high-quality jam. Makes all the difference.
Finely Diced Onions: These add a subtle depth of flavor to the sauce. Blending smoothly for a consistent texture.
Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness. With its salty, umami taste. Enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Honey: Adds extra sweetness. And helps to create a nice glaze on the chicken.
Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy sharpness. That cuts through the sweetness. Making the sauce more complex.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity. Which balances the sweetness. And the richness of the sauce.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
Ground Ginger: Gives a warm, slightly spicy undertone. That complements the apricot.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional. But they add a subtle heat. For those who like a little kick.
Chicken Thighs: These are perfect for baking, and staying juicy. And absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish. That adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
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Steps To Make Classic Apricot Chicken:
Step 1: Prep the Sauce: Start by tossing all your sauce ingredients—apricot jam, diced onions, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes—into a saucepan. Warm it up over medium heat until the jam melts and everything is well-mixed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat or skin off your chicken thighs. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish, and give them a light sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Combine and Cook: Pour your delicious apricot sauce over the chicken thighs. Pop the dish, uncovered, into a preheated oven at 375°F. Let it bake for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Baste and Finish: After 20 minutes, take the chicken out and baste it by spooning some of the sauce over each thigh. Put it back in the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and starts to brown nicely.
Step 5: Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Skim off any grease from the remaining sauce, and serve the sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Tip:
For an even more flavorful experience. Marinate the chicken thighs in half of the apricot sauce. For at least an hour before cooking. This allows the chicken. To absorb all those delicious flavors deeply. Additionally, when baking. You can cover the dish with aluminum foil. For the first half of the cooking time. To keep the chicken moist. Remove the foil for the remaining time. To let the sauce reduce. And create a beautiful glaze on the chicken. Also, if you have time. Let the sauce simmer. A bit longer on the stove. To thicken before pouring it over the chicken. This will intensify the flavors. And give the dish a richer texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes. You can use chicken breasts. But the cooking time may vary. Make sure to check for doneness. To avoid overcooking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. And store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it. Before pouring over the chicken.
What sides go well with this dish?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice and quinoa. Or a fresh green salad. Steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes. Make great sides.
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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!
Classic Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 c apricot jam
- ¼ c finely diced onions
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes optional
Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat. Until the jam melts. And the mixture is well-blended.
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat or skin. From the chicken thighs. Place them in a lightly greased baking dish. And sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken thighs. Place the dish uncovered. In a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Baste and Finish: After 20 minutes. Baste the chicken by spooning the sauce over each thigh. Continue baking for another 20-25 minutes. Until the chicken is fully cooked. And starts to brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. And let it rest for 5 minutes. Skim any grease from the remaining sauce. And serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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!
