If you’re looking for a meal that balances sweet, savory, and a touch of spice, this Tangy Apricot Chicken is the perfect choice. This dish brings together tender chicken thighs with a delicious apricot sauce that’s packed with layers of flavor. The sweetness of apricot jam is complemented by soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. It’s the perfect dish to serve for a comforting dinner on a chilly evening, and the best part is that it’s easy to make and doesn’t require a lot of ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup apricot jam
- ¼ cup finely diced onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish that will hold the chicken thighs in a single layer.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, diced onions, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Ensure everything is well combined to create a smooth, tangy sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they are lightly browned (this will help lock in the moisture).
- Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the apricot sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
- Finish Baking:
- Take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and has thickened.
- Serve:
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Tangy Apricot Chicken is a delightful balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, and just a little spicy if you choose to add the red pepper flakes. The juicy chicken thighs soak up the rich sauce, making each bite bursting with flavor. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Whether served with your favorite side dishes or over rice, this chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Tangy Apricot Chicken: A Comforting, Flavorful Dinner
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup apricot jam
- ¼ cup finely diced onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For the Chicken:
- 6 chicken thighs bone-in or boneless
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish that will hold the chicken thighs in a single layer.
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot jam, diced onions, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Ensure everything is well combined to create a smooth, tangy sauce.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they are lightly browned (this will help lock in the moisture).
Bake the Chicken:
- Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the apricot sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
Finish Baking:
- Take off the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and has thickened.
Serve:
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.