Hey there, foodies! Austin here from beyondhebayoublog, ready to share another delicious recipe straight from my kitchen to yours. Today’s dish is one of my all-time favorites: Apricot Chicken.
There’s something magical about the sweet and tangy flavor of apricots paired with tender chicken that just hits the spot every time. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my culinary experiments, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. The combination of simple ingredients creates a flavor explosion that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
So, grab your apricots and chicken, and let’s get cooking! Trust me, once you try this apricot chicken, it’ll become a regular on your menu rotation. Let’s dive in and enjoy every delicious bite together. You can also try Chicken French if seeking another chicken recipe option.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Simple and Fast!
- Cost-effective with few ingredients.
- Distinctive taste from blending apricot jam and onion soup mix creates a delicious main dish even for selective eaters.
- Ideal for gatherings! This straightforward chicken recipe can be effortlessly scaled up to serve larger groups.
- Ideal for hectic weeknights when you’re short on time but craving a flavorful and fulfilling meal.
- Ideal for hosting guests as it presents impressively while requiring minimal time and effort from you.
Overview: How To Make Apricot Chicken?
Hey foodies, Austin here again with a mouthwatering recipe you won’t want to miss: Apricot Chicken. This dish is a game-changer, ready in under an hour with just a few simple steps.
First up, we whip together a delightful apricot sauce by marinating the fruit with sugar and vinegar. After setting aside some apricots for later, we blend the rest into a luscious sauce for our chicken.
Next, we chop our chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Then, we simmer our sauce with spices to build up that irresistible flavor.
Finally, we bring it all together by stirring in our chicken and reserved apricots, letting everything warm up together. And that’s it � dinner is served!
With its sweet and tangy sauce coating tender chicken, this apricot chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Try More Such Recipes!
Sweet & Savory Apricot Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Saut� Pan
- Blender
- Flat-edged spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1,1/2 pounds apricots, pits removed and�cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 onion, chopped�
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp Tabasco�or other hot sauce
- 2 tbsp chopped�fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter�or olive oil
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 to 2-inch pieces
- Salt,�to taste
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp chopped�fresh rosemary
- Freshly�ground black pepper,�to taste
- Rice�or egg noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate apricots with sugar and vinegar.
- Brown chicken in butter and olive oil, then set aside.
- Saut� onions until browned, deglazing pan with water if needed.
- Add chicken stock to the pan and simmer.
- Pur�e remaining apricots and add to the pan with stock and onion.
- Simmer sauce with cinnamon, rosemary, and Tabasco until thickened.
- Add chicken and reserved apricots to the pan, simmer until heated through.
- Serve with rice or egg noodles, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Time for The Tips!
- Sear the Chicken: Achieve extra flavor by browning the chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil until it�s golden on both sides. This additional step enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Choose Fresh or Quality Apricot Preserves: Opt for high-quality apricot preserves or jam to ensure a rich apricot flavor. Alternatively, use fresh, ripe apricots if they’re available.
- Boost the Sauce: Elevate the sauce’s flavor by incorporating ingredients such as minced garlic, ginger, diced onions, and a hint of soy sauce or Dijon mustard.
- Add a Zesty Touch: Balance the sweetness of the apricot sauce by adding a splash of lemon juice or a touch of vinegar for a tangy kick.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Enhance the dish’s presentation and texture by garnishing with chopped fresh herbs or toasted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust the sauce’s thickness by allowing it to reduce further or by adding a bit of chicken broth to thin it out if necessary.
- Allow Rest Time: Before serving, let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes. This ensures that the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier dish.
What to Serve with Apricot Chicken?
Try These Substitutions!
- Chicken Choice: If you’re missing the right ingredients or want a change, try swapping chicken breasts for chicken thighs or pork chops for a quick variation on a weeknight dinner. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat and its thickness.
- Onion Soup Mix Options: Experiment with different types of dry onion soup mix such as Golden Onion, Onion Mushroom, or Savory Herb and Garlic for added flavor variety.
- Add Some Heat: For a spicy twist, consider adding chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the jam mixture. This will give your apricot chicken a sweet and spicy kick.
Managing Leftovers and Re-Serving!
Hey there! So, you’ve whipped up some delicious Apricot Chicken, but now you’re wondering what to do with the leftovers, right? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
- First off, let your leftover Apricot Chicken cool down a bit before storing it. You don’t want to put hot food straight into the fridge � it can mess with the temperature in there.
- Once it’s cooled down, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed tight to keep everything fresh and tasty.
- Now, here’s the trick: label your container with the date so you know how long it’s been in there. Trust me, it’ll save you from playing guessing games later on.
- Pop that container in the fridge, and it should stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags to prevent freezer burn.
- When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover Apricot Chicken, you have a couple of options. You can reheat it on the stove, in the oven, or even in the microwave � whatever’s easiest for you!
- And there you have it � easy peasy leftover management for your Apricot Chicken. Now go ahead, kick back, and enjoy that tasty meal all over again!
