Imagine a dish that mixes sweet apricots with tender chicken. Welcome to Apricot Glazed Chicken, a recipe that will change your dinner nights. But what makes this dish special? Let’s find out.
In just 30 minutes, you can make a meal full of sweet and savory flavors. The Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe is easy to make and will make you want more. Are you ready to see why it’s loved by so many?
Table of Contents
Apricot Glazed Chicken
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Small bowl
- Brush
- Skillet
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and brush generously with the apricot glaze.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
Nutrition
Introduction to Apricot Glazed Chicken
Apricot Glazed Chicken is a tasty dish. It mixes apricot’s sweet and tangy flavors with chicken. This recipe adds fruit’s vibrant taste to your dinner.
The sticky glaze makes the chicken sweet. It’s a meal you’ll love to eat.
What is Apricot Glazed Chicken?
Apricot Glazed Chicken uses chicken and a glaze. The glaze is made from apricot preserves, honey, and spices. As it cooks, the glaze thickens, making the chicken juicy and fruity.
Benefits of Cooking with Apricots
- Apricots are full of vitamins A and C. They make your meal healthier.
- Apricots’ sweetness adds flavor to dishes like fruit glazed chicken and baked chicken with apricot glaze.
- Apricots are great for many things, like jams and garnishes.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
This apricot glazed chicken recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s ready in about 30 minutes. It’s a quick, tasty dinner for families.
Ingredients Needed for Apricot Glazed Chicken
Making the tasty Apricot Glazed Chicken is easy with a few simple things. The dish starts with juicy chicken breasts. They are the base for the sweet and tangy apricot glaze.
Fresh Ingredients List
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 4 pounds or 1.8 kg)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) of apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Optional Ingredients and Variations
For more flavor, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme on top. If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes to the glaze. Try different chicken cuts like thighs or drumsticks for more taste.
“The key to a delicious easy apricot chicken is finding the perfect balance between the sweetness of the apricots and the savory notes of the chicken.”
Preparing the Apricot Glaze
Making the perfect apricot glaze for chicken is easy and tasty. It’s all about finding the right mix of sweet apricots and savory flavors. Let’s learn how to make this yummy glaze from scratch.
How to Make Apricot Glaze from Scratch
To start, mix 3/4 cup of apricot preserves, 1/3 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a saucepan. Stir everything together over medium heat until it’s smooth and a bit thick, about 2-3 minutes.
Tips for the Perfect Consistency
To get the glaze just right, simmer it for 5 minutes, stirring now and then. This lets the flavors mix and the glaze get syrupy. If it’s too thick, add a little water or chicken broth. You want it glossy and spreadable, perfect for your apricot chicken marinade.
Choosing good apricot preserves is key to the glaze’s taste. Pick a high-quality brand with a strong, fruity flavor. This will make your homemade apricot glaze even better.
Cooking Methods for Apricot Glazed Chicken
There are many ways to make baked chicken with apricot glaze perfect. You can grill, bake, or slow cook it. Each method brings its own special touch.
Grilling the Chicken
Grilling adds a smoky taste and nice grill marks. Heat your grill to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 25-30 minutes, flipping and basting every 5-7 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
Baking for Maximum Flavor
Baking is a classic way. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Baste it with glaze every 10 minutes for a tasty finish.
Slow Cooking for Tenderness
Slow cooking makes the chicken very tender. Cook it on low for 4-6 hours. This lets the flavors mix well and the meat become tender.
Try different cooking methods to see what you like best. Apricot glaze is great for any chicken dinner. It adds sweetness and flavor.
Marinating the Chicken
Marinating is key to making perfect apricot glazed chicken. It lets the chicken soak up the flavors of the marinade. This makes the taste much better than just basting or seasoning.
Save some apricot glaze for the marinade. This way, every bite will have that sweet and tangy taste.
Importance of Marinating
Marinating does two important things: it makes the meat tender and boosts the flavors. The acid in the marinade, like vinegar, softens the meat. This makes it juicy and tender.
The other ingredients, like soy sauce and honey, mix with the chicken. They create a perfect mix of apricot chicken marinade and sweet and savory chicken flavors.
Recommended Marination Time
- For the best taste, marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours in the fridge. This lets the flavors soak in well.
- If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes. But the longer it sits, the tastier it gets.
- Don’t marinate for more than 4 hours. The acid can make the chicken too soft.
Marinating is like letting a granola bar mixture chill. It helps the flavors come together. With a bit of planning, you’ll make a delicious apricot chicken marinade and sweet and savory chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions
The sweet and savory flavors of [easy apricot chicken] are great with many sides. Try it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or quinoa or brown rice. This makes a complete [chicken dinner ideas].
Pairing with Side Dishes
Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are a nice contrast. They add color to your plate. Quinoa or brown rice soak up the glaze, balancing flavors and textures.
Garnishing with Fresh Herbs
Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro makes the dish look better. These herbs add flavor and make the dish more appealing. They match the sweet and savory tastes of the [chicken dinner ideas].
| Side Dish | Preparation Method | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Broccoli | Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F (218°C) for 15-20 minutes. | 3-4 cups |
| Quinoa | Cook quinoa according to package instructions. | 1 cup cooked |
| Mixed Greens Salad | Toss mixed greens with your choice of dressing. | 2 cups |
Pairing [easy apricot chicken] with these sides and garnishes makes a tasty [chicken dinner ideas]. It’s sure to please your taste buds. Find more quick and tasty meals at [https://quickycooking.com/welcome-to-quicky-cooking-your-hub-for-fast-delicious-meals/].
Nutritional Information
Apricot Glazed Chicken is a healthy meal. It has lots of vitamins, minerals, and good stuff like carbs, fat, and protein. A serving has about 383 calories.
Caloric Breakdown
This dish has 383 calories. Most of it is from protein. It gives you a lot of protein, 96% of what you need in one serving.
Health Benefits of Each Ingredient
Apricots in the glaze are full of vitamin A and C. They’re good for your health. Chicken, the main part, has lots of protein, niacin, selenium, and phosphorus. This mix makes a meal that’s both healthy and tasty.
- High in potassium, with 830mg per serving (18% DV)
- Excellent source of vitamin B6, providing 148% of the Daily Value
- Rich in niacin, with 23mg per serving (142% DV)
- Contains 508mg of phosphorus, representing 73% of the Daily Value
- Provides 99% of the Daily Value for selenium
Apricot Glazed Chicken is a balanced meal. It’s full of good stuff and vitamins. It’s a great choice for a healthy diet.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
When making easy apricot chicken or glazed chicken breast, avoid some common mistakes. This will help your apricot glazed chicken turn out great every time.
Overcooking the Chicken
One big mistake is overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check if it’s 165°F (74°C) inside. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Skipping the Marination
Marination is key for glazed chicken breast. Let the chicken soak in the apricot glaze for at least 30 minutes. Or, marinate it for up to 24 hours for deeper flavors. Skipping this step can make the dish taste bland.
Also, don’t glaze the chicken too soon. This can burn it. Brush the apricot glaze on during the last 10-15 minutes. This way, the sugars in the glaze caramelize nicely without overcooking the chicken.
| Common Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Overcooking the Chicken | Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) |
| Skipping the Marination | Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to develop deep flavor |
| Applying the Glaze Too Early | Brush on the apricot glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking |
Avoid these mistakes to make delicious easy apricot chicken and glazed chicken breast. Your family and friends will love it.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
Enjoying Apricot Glazed Chicken doesn’t have to stop after dinner. You can enjoy it for days with the right storage and reheating. Let’s look at the best ways to keep and reheat your leftover chicken.
Best Ways to Store Glazed Chicken
Keep your chicken fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 3 days. For longer, freeze it in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Losing Flavor
- Oven Reheating: Cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Microwave Reheating: Put the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals at 50% power.
To keep the glaze tasty, drizzle some extra glaze on the chicken before reheating. This keeps it moist and flavorful, just like new.
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Apricot Glazed Chicken leftovers. Follow these tips to enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors for days. It’s a great choice for your next chicken dinner.
Meal Prep Ideas with Apricot Glazed Chicken
Apricot Glazed Chicken is tasty and great for meal prep. It’s sweet and tangy, loved by many. Enjoy it all week long.
Prepping for the Week Ahead
Cook a big batch of Apricot Glazed Chicken on the weekend. It’s a simple chicken dinner idea. Pair it with veggies or rice for a full meal.
Store the chicken in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, you’ll have easy apricot chicken whenever you want.
Portioning for Freezing
You can also freeze parts of the chicken. Let it cool, then wrap it in plastic and foil. Put it in a freezer bag or container.
This way, you’ll have chicken dinner ideas ready to thaw and reheat. The chicken stays good in the freezer for up to 3 months.
With these tips, enjoy Apricot Glazed Chicken all week or save it for later. A little weekend prep makes weeknights easy.
Variations of Apricot Glazed Chicken
If you love our classic apricot glazed chicken, you’re in for a treat! You can make many new dishes by changing a few ingredients. This lets you make dishes that you really like.
Asian-Inspired Apricot Chicken
For a fun Asian twist, add ginger and garlic to the glaze. Also, add some rice vinegar. This mix will make you feel like you’re in Asia. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a great meal.
Spicy Apricot Glazed Chicken
Want something spicy? Mix in sriracha or red pepper flakes. The sweet and spicy taste is amazing. Try it with a salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
Try using peaches or plums instead of apricots. The glaze is great with these fruits too. It’s like adding nuts or seeds to your favorite snacks.
“The beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to explore and create. With a little creativity, the humble chicken can transform into a symphony of flavors that caters to your every whim.”
So, get excited and try new things with Apricot Glazed Chicken. You can make it spicy or add an Asian twist. Impress your loved ones with your cooking skills!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Apricot Glazed Chicken
Apricot Glazed Chicken is a tasty dish loved by many. It’s sweet, savory, and tangy. This recipe is great for any meal, easy to make, and perfect for any time.
Grill, bake, or slow cook the chicken. It always turns out moist and full of flavor. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Encouragement to Try the Recipe
Try this Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe and make it your own. Add different herbs, spices, or cooking methods. You can make it your own way.
The possibilities are endless. You’ll get a delicious and satisfying meal every time.
Invitation to Share Your Cooking Experience
Share your cooking stories! I want to know how your Apricot Glazed Chicken turned out. Add your own twist to the recipe.
Visit QuickyCooking.com to share with others. Share your easy apricot chicken recipes too. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!
