Sweet & Smoky BBQ Apricot Chicken Recipe for Summer Feasts

Succulent barbecue apricot chicken brings a burst of summer flavor to your dinner table.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across tender meat, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Backyard grilling just got more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish.

Juicy chicken pieces caramelize beautifully under a vibrant apricot glaze.

Weekend cookouts deserve something special that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Fresh herbs and a quick marinade turn ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken That’s Always A Hit

• Savor Gourmet Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required.
• Celebrate One-Pan Convenience: Prepare and cook everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze.
• Craft Sweet-Savory Flavor Fusion: Combine tangy barbecue sauce, fruity apricot preserves, and caramelized apricots for a mouthwatering taste experience that delights the palate.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner Game: Impress family and guests with a sophisticated yet approachable chicken dish that looks and tastes gourmet without complex techniques.

Ingredients For Tangy Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that creates a juicy and flavorful main dish for this barbecue recipe.

• Apricots: Sweet stone fruits that caramelize and add natural sweetness to the chicken.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that provides a light, crisp garnish with a mild onion flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.

• Chicken Seasoning Blend: Spice mixture that adds robust flavor and helps create a delicious crust on the chicken.
• Apricot Preserves: Sweet fruit spread that contributes to the sauce's rich and tangy profile.
• Barbecue Sauce: Classic condiment that provides a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a moist cooking environment and adds additional savory notes.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking fat used for searing and preventing ingredients from sticking to the skillet.

Steps To Make BBQ Apricot Chicken Simple

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing it for the delicious chicken adventure ahead.

Step 2: Caramelize Sweet Apricots

Drizzle vegetable oil into a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.

Gently place apricots cut side down and let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Carefully transfer the caramelized apricots to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Generously coat chicken thighs with your favorite chicken seasoning blend, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered with flavor.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Add a touch more oil to the skillet and place the seasoned chicken thighs in the pan.

Let them sizzle and brown for 5 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden exterior.

Step 5: Add Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and cook for an additional minute, releasing its irresistible fragrance.

Step 6: Create the Flavor Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Apricot preserves
• Barbecue sauce

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 7: Reunite Apricots and Chicken

Gently return the caramelized apricots to the skillet, nestling them around the chicken pieces.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips For Grilled Apricot Chicken Full Of Flavor

• Sear apricots cut side down to develop rich, deep flavor and create a beautiful golden-brown surface that adds complexity to the dish.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor, ensuring tender and succulent meat after baking.
• Adjust barbecue and apricot preserve ratios to balance sweetness and tanginess, creating a perfect glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out.
• Use an oven-safe skillet to minimize dish cleanup and retain all the delicious caramelized bits from searing and cooking.

Fun Variations On Barbecue Apricot Chicken

• Grilled Peach Chicken Swap: Replace apricots with grilled peaches for a summer-inspired flavor profile that brings sweet and tangy notes to the dish.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or tempeh, using similar seasoning and cooking method to maintain the recipe's core essence.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free apricot preserves and a low-carb barbecue sauce to create a diabetic-friendly version that reduces overall sugar content.
• Mediterranean-Style Adaptation: Incorporate herbs like rosemary and thyme, and replace barbecue sauce with olive oil and lemon juice for a lighter Mediterranean interpretation.

Serve Apricot Chicken For Summer Cookouts

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this juicy barbecue apricot chicken over fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Sweet Picnic Plate: Pack cold leftovers for an outdoor lunch, pairing with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a delightful summer meal.
• Elegant Dinner Presentation: Arrange chicken thighs on a large platter, scatter caramelized apricots around the meat, and sprinkle fresh green onions for a restaurant-quality look that impresses guests.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Create a hearty meal by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts alongside the chicken for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Store Apricot Chicken Ready For Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, label with date, and store for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing fresh green onion garnish.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Uncover for last 5 minutes to crisp skin.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What is the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• Can I use fresh apricots instead of caramelized ones?

Yes, but caramelizing brings out a deeper, sweeter flavor. If using fresh apricots, briefly sear them to enhance their natural sweetness and create a more complex taste profile.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking chicken thighs helps, as they’re naturally more moist than chicken breasts. The sauce and preserves also help keep the meat juicy during baking. Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature early.

Barbecue Apricot Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent barbecue apricot chicken delivers a symphony of sweet and smoky flavors that dance across your palate. Juicy chicken glazed with tangy apricot sauce promises a delightful summer meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
• 6 to 8 small apricots
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning blend
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons apricot preserves (sugar-free recommended)

Liquid and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth (or apple juice or apricot juice)
• Sliced green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Select a large oven-safe skillet and warm vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Caramelize apricots by placing them cut side down, cooking for 3-4 minutes until golden. Remove and reserve.
4. Generously coat chicken thighs with seasoning blend for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Introduce additional oil to skillet and sear chicken thighs, developing a rich brown exterior for 5 minutes per side.
6. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, allowing aromatics to release for approximately one minute.
7. Create a luscious sauce by incorporating chicken broth, apricot preserves, and barbecue sauce, stirring until thoroughly combined.
8. Strategically redistribute caramelized apricots around the seared chicken within the skillet.
9. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches complete internal doneness.
10. Elevate presentation by scattering fresh sliced green onions across the dish before serving.

Notes

• Select bone-in chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor compared to boneless cuts.
• Ensure apricots are ripe but firm to achieve perfect caramelization without becoming mushy during cooking.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe pan to develop deeper browning and enhance overall dish complexity.
• Adjust barbecue sauce sweetness by choosing between tangy or sweet varieties to match personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg