Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s both savory and sweet? Baked Apricot Chicken is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. With a simple apricot glaze made from jam and chicken broth, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a mouthwatering fruity flavor. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even for entertaining guests!
Not only is this dish incredibly easy to prepare, but it also brings out a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad, Baked Apricot Chicken will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Apricot Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chopped fresh apricots (optional)
How to Make Baked Apricot Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help create a delicious caramelized crust on the chicken while keeping it tender on the inside.
Step 2: Make the Apricot Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of apricot jam, chicken broth, olive oil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This will create a glossy glaze that will infuse the chicken with a wonderful sweet-savory flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the chicken with the apricot glaze, ensuring each piece is fully covered. This glaze will bake into the chicken, creating a flavorful and slightly caramelized coating.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The glaze will thicken and create a beautiful golden-brown finish on the chicken.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- If using fresh apricots, sprinkle the chopped fruit over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will allow them to soften and blend with the glaze.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve hot. The chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Tips for Perfect Baked Apricot Chicken
Adjust the Sweetness:
Feel free to adjust the amount of apricot jam to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a little more jam to the glaze. On the other hand, if you want a subtler sweetness, you can reduce the jam slightly and balance it out with more chicken broth.
Fresh Apricots Add a Fresh Twist:
If you have fresh apricots on hand, they make a lovely garnish. Sprinkle them on the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking to enhance the natural flavor of the fruit.
Pairing Suggestions:
For a complete meal, serve Baked Apricot Chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. A light side salad with a citrus dressing also complements the dish well.
Make It Spicy:
For a little extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze, or drizzle a spicy hot sauce over the chicken after baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only about 10 minutes of prep and 30-35 minutes in the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can adjust the glaze’s sweetness to your preference and even swap out the apricots for other fruits like peaches or mangoes.
- Healthy and Flavorful: The chicken is lean and packed with flavor, while the apricot glaze adds a natural sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is loved by kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~250 kcal per serving (depending on ingredient adjustments)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the thighs, so check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apricot glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
Roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette all complement the sweet flavors of the baked apricot chicken beautifully.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Baked Apricot Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it couldn’t be easier to make. With a simple glaze made from apricot jam and chicken broth, this recipe elevates the humble chicken breast into a delicious, flavorful dish. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal everyone will love, or enjoy it as a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Give this recipe a try and watch as your family or guests rave about the sweet and savory flavors in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that’s both simple and impressive—a true winner!