If you’re a fan of the delicious combination of sweet and savory, you’re going to love this easy Apricot Chicken recipe! The tender chicken thighs are coated in a sweet apricot glaze, packed with rich flavors from garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Craveworthy Chicken Recipe
- Quick and Easy . Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
- Sweet and Savory . The blend of apricot preserves and savory seasonings creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
- Minimal Ingredients . Using pantry staples like soy sauce, mustard, and garlic makes this dish accessible and simple to prepare.
- Versatile . Serve it with rice, veggies, or even roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
With a simple yet rich apricot glaze, this Apricot Chicken will quickly become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken and the sticky-sweet apricot sauce is a match made in heaven. Plus, you only need a handful of ingredients to whip up this tasty dinner in no time.
What Does Apricot Chicken Taste Like?
Apricot Chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The apricot preserves create a rich, fruity sweetness, while ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard balance the dish with savory and tangy undertones. The result is a tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze
Is Apricot Chicken Healthy?
Yes, Apricot Chicken can be a healthy option when using skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Apricots are naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins, while chicken provides lean protein.
If you’re watching sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of apricot preserves or opt for a low-sugar variety.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Thighs - Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor, or opt for skinless for a lighter version.
- Apricot Preserves - This is the sweet base of the glaze, adding a fruity depth to the dish.
- Apricots (optional) - Adds natural sweetness, color, and texture to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce - For that umami flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Onion - Roughly diced for texture and earthy flavor.
- Garlic - Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of flavor.
- Dijon Mustard - Adds tang and depth, cutting through the sweetness of the apricots.
- Olive Oil - Used for searing the chicken to crispy perfection.
- Salt and Pepper - To season the chicken and enhance the overall flavors.
How To Make Apricot Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken . Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the Apricot Glaze . In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the apricot preserves, halved apricots, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the glaze simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Chicken . Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the thighs, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and absorbs all the sweet and savory flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy . Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon extra glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips And Tricks
To make the most flavorful and juicy Apricot Chicken, follow these tips:
- Sear the Chicken First . Searing locks in the juices and gives the chicken a nice crispy skin.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic . Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the glaze.
- Simmer Low and Slow . Let the chicken simmer in the glaze for a richer taste.
- Use a Meat Thermometer . Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked thighs.
Variations
If you love the base recipe but want to experiment with different flavors, try these delicious variations:
- Spicy - Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the glaze for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused - Add rosemary or thyme to the sauce for a more earthy flavor.
- Apricot Chicken with Pineapple - Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for an extra layer of tropical sweetness.
- Gluten-Free - Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
What To Eat With Apricot Chicken
Apricot Chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complement the dish:
- Rice - Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables - Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a healthy and colorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes - Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the sweet and savory apricot glaze.
How Long Does It Last?
Apricot Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days . The flavors intensify as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes! Apricot Chicken freezes well. Simply place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Nashville Hot Chicken
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Chicken Fajita Soup
- Spatchcock Chicken
- Peruvian Chicken Thighs
- Lemon Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Stroganoff
Apricot Chicken Recipe | Easy Sticky Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- ▢ 4 Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs
- ▢ 1/2 cup Apricot Preserves
- ▢ 2 Apricots , halved and pitted
- ▢ 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- ▢ 1 Onion , diced
- ▢ 3 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the Apricot Glaze . In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the apricot preserves, halved apricots, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the glaze simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Chicken . Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the thighs, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and absorbs all the sweet and savory flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy . Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon extra glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Apricot Chicken Recipe | Easy Sticky Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs
- 1/2 cup Apricot Preserves
- 2 Apricots halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Create the Apricot Glaze . In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the apricot preserves, halved apricots, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the glaze simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Simmer the Chicken . Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the glaze over the thighs, and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and absorbs all the sweet and savory flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy . Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon extra glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Apricot Chicken Recipe | Easy Sticky Apricot Chicken https://twosleevers.com/apricot-chicken-recipe/
If you’re a fan of warm, spiced autumn flavors, you’ll fall in love with this Pumpkin Butter recipe! Creamy, sweet, and filled with rich pumpkin flavor, this spread is perfect for toast, pancakes, and more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch that will fill your home with the comforting scents of fall.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pumpkin Recipe
- Easy to Make. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Versatile. Use it on toast, in oatmeal, as a dessert topping, or even as a filling for pastries.
- Fall Flavors. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg pair perfectly with the smooth pumpkin puree.
- Homemade Goodness. No preservatives, just wholesome ingredients.
With its rich, spiced flavor, pumpkin butter is a must-have fall condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It’s a delightful way to bring seasonal flavors to your everyday meals or baked goods.
What Does Pumpkin Butter Taste Like?
Pumpkin butter is a smooth, spiced spread made from pumpkin puree, sugar, and warm fall spices. It’s similar to apple butter in texture but has that rich, earthy pumpkin flavor that makes it a fall favorite. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it in your baking, it’s a great way to embrace pumpkin season.
Is Pumpkin Butter Healthy?
Pumpkin butter can be a nutritious and flavorful spread, especially if you opt for a lower-sugar version and enjoy it in moderation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin Puree – Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
- Apple Juice or Cider – Adds a natural sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
- Brown Sugar – Provides rich sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves – These spices give the pumpkin butter its signature warm flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and intensifies the pumpkin flavor.
How To Make Pumpkin Butter
- Combine the Ingredients . In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of apple juice or cider, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture . Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Vanilla and Lemon Juice . Once the mixture has thickened and darkened in color, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Cool and Store . Let the pumpkin butter cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips And Tricks
Here are some helpful tips and tricks to ensure your homemade pumpkin butter turns out perfectly:
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree . If you have fresh pumpkins on hand, roasting them to make your own puree can elevate the flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness . You can adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste. For a lighter, less sweet version, reduce the sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup.
- Spice It Up . Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your preference. A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can intensify the fall flavors.
- Low and Slow . Be patient when cooking the pumpkin butter. Allowing it to simmer slowly will help it thicken and develop a rich, deep flavor.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for pumpkin butter that you can try to add different flavors and textures:
- Maple- Swap the brown sugar for pure maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Vanilla Bean- Use a vanilla bean instead of vanilla extract for an extra layer of vanilla flavor.
- Apple- Add a chopped apple to the pumpkin mixture for added texture and sweetness.
What Is Pumpkin Butter Used For?
Pumpkin butter is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Spread on Toast . It’s perfect on warm, buttered toast for a cozy breakfast.
- Top Your Pancakes . Use it in place of syrup on pancakes or waffles .
- Swirl into Oatmeal . Add a spoonful to your morning oatmeal for a seasonal twist.
- Use as a Dessert Topping . Spoon some over ice cream , yogurt , or even cheesecake for a decadent treat.
- Filling for Baked Goods . Pumpkin butter makes an excellent filling for pastries, cinnamon rolls , or stuffed French toast .
How Long Does It Last?
Pumpkin butter typically lasts up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, pumpkin butter freezes beautifully! Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place the container in the refrigerator overnight.
More Spectacular Sauces
- Big Mac Sauce
- Pomodoro Sauce
- Keto Ranch Dressing
- Bang Bang Sauce
- Baja Sauce
- Apple Butter
Pumpkin Butter Recipe | How To Make Homemade Pumpkin Butter
Ingredients
- ▢ 2 cups Pumpkin Puree
- ▢ 1/2 cup Apple Juice
- ▢ 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- ▢ 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Ground Cloves
- ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients . In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of apple juice or cider, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Mixture . Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Vanilla and Lemon Juice . Once the mixture has thickened and darkened in color, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Cool and Store . Let the pumpkin butter cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
