Sweet & Zesty Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Nestled in my culinary adventures, this quick apricot chicken recipe promises a delightful twist on weeknight dining.

Succulent pieces of poultry mingle with sweet and tangy apricot glaze, creating a harmonious flavor symphony.

Mediterranean influences shine through every bite, bringing unexpected excitement to your plate.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Seasonal apricots lend a vibrant, sun-kissed character that elevates ordinary chicken to something spectacular.

Fast Variations For Quick Apricot Chicken Fans

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace BBQ sauce with oregano, thyme, and lemon juice for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Mango Chicken: Swap apricot jam with mango chutney and add red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip rice and serve over roasted cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same sauce and cooking method for plant-based protein.

Serving Quick Apricot Chicken Hot And Juicy

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this sweet and tangy chicken with fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the rich, fruity sauce perfectly.
• Meal Companion Sides: Roast some crispy green beans or steamed broccoli alongside the chicken to add fresh vegetable contrast and balance the dish's sweetness.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped scallions on top for a pop of color, crunch, and extra layer of nutty flavor that elevates the entire presentation.
• Global Twist Option: Serve the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative that still provides a delicious base for catching all the delectable apricot sauce.

Store Quick Apricot Chicken For Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, stirring gently until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and will add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is mild and sweet with a tangy flavor from the apricot jam and orange juice. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, choose a sugar-free apricot jam, and opt for a lean chicken breast. You can also reduce the honey or replace it with a natural sweetener.

Quick Apricot Chicken For Busy Evenings

• Master One-Pan Magic: Prepare this dish quickly in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting sauce ingredients or adding vegetables, making it versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Create a crowd-pleasing dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, with its approachable flavors and simple preparation method.

Gather Ingredients For Quick Apricot Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this flavorful dish.

• Orange Juice, Apricot Jam, BBQ Sauce, Soy Sauce, Honey: A sweet and tangy combination that creates a rich, glossy coating for the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes to the overall flavor profile.
• Scallions, Sesame Seeds: Optional toppings that provide a fresh crunch and nutty accent.

• Oil: Helps to prevent sticking and allows for even browning of the chicken.

Easy Steps For Quick Apricot Chicken Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Place diced chicken breast into the hot skillet, cooking and turning pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they release their aromatic qualities and become slightly translucent.

Step 4: Create Tangy Sauce

• Orange juice
• Apricot jam
• BBQ sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Stir all components together, blending them into a rich, glossy sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Reduce heat and allow the sauce to gently bubble, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken and sauce over steamed rice.

Optionally sprinkle with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and visual appeal.

Tips To Speed Up Apricot Chicken Cooking

• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by tweaking the ratio of apricot jam to BBQ sauce for your perfect flavor profile.
• Easily substitute chicken breast with thighs or turkey for a different texture and taste experience.
• Let chicken sit in the sauce mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor absorption.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunch leftovers.

Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Apricot Chicken delights dinner tables with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, blending sweet and savory notes. Hearty protein meets fruity glaze, creating an effortless meal that promises rich satisfaction for hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound diced chicken breast

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon oil (sesame or neutral)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup orange juice

Optional Garnish:

• chopped scallions
• sesame seeds

Serving Suggestion:

• rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm a skillet over medium heat, drizzling oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
2. Introduce chicken pieces, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, stirring until they release their fragrant essence.
4. Pour in a vibrant blend of orange juice, luscious apricot jam, tangy BBQ sauce, umami-rich soy sauce, and golden honey.
5. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, allowing the sauce to caramelize and thicken while ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Transfer the glazed chicken onto a bed of fluffy rice, creating an appetizing presentation.
7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap jam for low-sugar alternatives to reduce overall sweetness and create a more balanced flavor profile.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that absorbs marinade beautifully.
• Enhance gluten-free compatibility by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and checking BBQ sauce ingredients.
• Boost nutritional value by adding colorful bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra vegetables and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 408 kcal
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg