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Quick Apricot Chicken is the weeknight dinner I lean on when I want something bright, juicy and crowd pleasing without a lot of fuss. It comes together in just half an hour and balances savory chicken with a tangy sweet apricot sauce. The first time I threw this together, it instantly became a family favorite for its vibrant flavor and simplicity.
When I first cooked this after a long day, I could hardly believe something so simple could be so delicious. My family now requests it all the time and it reliably disappears within minutes.
Ingredients
- Diced chicken breast: my go to for fast cooking and juicy bites look for fresh firm fillets without strong odor
- Oil: needed for sautéing chicken use sesame for subtle nutty flavor or a mild neutral oil like canola
- Small onion: adds natural sweetness and depth choose firm onions with shiny papery skin
- Garlic: crucial for pungent base flavor fresh cloves offer the best punch
- Orange juice: brings brightness to the sauce opt for juice without added sugar for clean flavor
- Apricot jam or preserves: delivers the hallmark sweet tang use a brand with lots of real fruit
- BBQ sauce: infuses gentle smokiness pick one with a short clean ingredient list
- Soy sauce: for saltiness and umami choose low sodium if you prefer less salt
- Honey: rounds out the sauce with floral sweetness use runny honey for easy mixing
- Optional scallions sesame seeds and rice: these boost presentation and turn the dish into a complete meal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat your oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and let it sear for several minutes without stirring too much. You want each piece golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked through. This important step builds rich caramelized flavor into the final dish.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Stir in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Keep heat at medium high and move everything around for about a minute. The onion should look slightly softened and you will start to smell that lovely garlicky aroma which signals the base of your sauce is ready.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
- Pour orange juice into the pan and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet. These bits add tons of flavor to your sauce. Lower heat to medium. Now add apricot jam BBQ sauce soy sauce and honey. Stir really well to blend all the sweet and savory ingredients.
- Simmer and Finish:
- Bring your pan to a gentle simmer so the sauce bubbles around the chicken. Reduce heat if needed and let it cook until the chicken is cooked through to 160F and the sauce thickens to your liking. If you find the sauce is too thin allow it to cook uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it is too thick add orange juice one spoonful at a time to thin it.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Pile the apricot chicken over fluffy rice if you like sprinkle with sliced scallions and sesame seeds for color and texture. Serve hot for best flavor.
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My favorite part about this recipe is the use of apricot jam which adds such a unique tang that pairs incredibly well with chicken. One of my fondest memories is cooking this with my little one who loved sneaking spoonfuls of the jam before it even reached the skillet.
Storage Tips
Cool any leftovers completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Apricot chicken keeps well for up to three days. For longer storage you can freeze it in a freezer safe box. Thaw overnight and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of orange juice to keep the chicken juicy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have apricot jam try peach or orange marmalade for a similar sweet fruitiness. Chicken thighs can be swapped for breast for a richer flavor—just increase the cook time until fully cooked. For a vegetarian twist try with firm tofu and skip the chicken entirely.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon the chicken and sauce over rice for a classic pairing but it is also fantastic over quinoa or couscous. Add a steamed vegetable like broccoli or snap peas for extra crunch and color. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of chili flakes at the table for those who like it spicy.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used. Simply adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through compared to diced breast.
- → What else can I serve with apricot chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, couscous, or even steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
- → How do I thicken or thin the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it without a lid until it reaches your preferred consistency. To loosen a thick sauce, add a little orange juice.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! Add chili flakes, a touch of hot sauce, or grated ginger during cooking for extra heat and brightness.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes; it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and gently reheat over low heat to maintain juiciness.