Description
Apricot Chicken is a delightful sweet-and-savory dish featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts glazed with a flavorful apricot sauce made from apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and aromatic garlic. This easy-to-make dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs wonderfully with rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Apricot Glaze
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp ginger powder
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This locks in flavor and juices.
- Prepare Apricot Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and ginger powder until smooth and combined.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the apricot glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated with the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through and juicy.
- Glaze and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon some of the glaze over the chicken for extra flavor. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to garnish before serving.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred for a juicier texture.
- If the glaze thickens too much, stir in a tablespoon of water before baking to loosen it.
- Serve this apricot chicken alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American