Apricot Chicken
Apricot Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a mouthwatering combination of caramelized onions, juicy pineapple, and velvety apricot preserves. This dish transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal bursting with flavor.
With golden-seared chicken simmered in a luscious sauce of apricots, BBQ, and aromatic spices, every bite is tender, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a comforting yet elevated dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Pair it with your favorite sides, and let the glossy sauce and vibrant garnishes take center stage. This recipe promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests effortlessly!
Apricot Chicken Ingredients: A Symphony of Sweet and Savory
- Chicken Breasts: The heart of this dish, these tender cuts absorb the vibrant sauce, delivering a rich and satisfying bite.
- Apricot Preserves: The star ingredient, lending a luscious sweetness that balances perfectly with the savory notes.
- Pineapple Chunks: A burst of tropical flavor, adding juicy brightness and a subtle tang to the dish.
- Caramelized Onions: Deeply savory and slightly sweet, they create the foundation for a rich, aromatic sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Infuses the dish with depth and enhances the harmony of flavors in the simmering sauce.
- Paprika: A warm, smoky spice that ties together the sweet and savory elements beautifully.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a hint of bold, tangy richness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Recipe Tips
- Perfecting the Caramelized Onions
Take your time with the onions—they’re the flavor backbone of the dish. Cook them over medium-low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning. Proper caramelization adds depth and sweetness that beautifully complements the apricot preserves and pineapple. - Balancing the Sweetness
The apricot preserves and pineapple bring natural sweetness to the dish. For balance, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a slight tang or heat, creating a more complex flavor profile. - Achieving Tender Chicken
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts ensure juicy and flavorful results. To prevent dryness, sear the chicken thoroughly to lock in juices, and simmer it in the sauce on low heat. Turning the chicken occasionally helps it absorb the sauce evenly.
What to Serve with Apricot Chicken
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is the perfect base to soak up the luscious sweet-savory sauce, adding a fragrant and neutral complement to the bold flavors of the chicken. - Roasted Vegetables
A medley of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers brings a colorful, earthy balance to the dish, enhancing the visual appeal and nutritional value of your meal. - Warm Crusty Bread
Serve slices of warm, crusty bread on the side to scoop up the velvety sauce, making every bite a satisfying experience. It’s a comforting and practical addition.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as it rests. Prepare the dish up to a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat before serving.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
Certainly! Reduce the amount of apricot preserves or pineapple juice, or add a touch of vinegar or hot sauce to balance the sweetness to your taste.
Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- Skin-on bone-in chicken breasts (2 large or 1 pair of split breasts)
- Paprika divided use (2 teaspoons)
- Olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- White onions sliced into thin semi-circles (2 small)
- Garlic cloves minced or pressed (2)
- Chicken stock or broth 1 cup
- All-natural apricot preserves 1 cup
- Organic canned pineapple chunks drained, with juice reserved (1 cup; approximately 6 fluid ounces juice)
- BBQ sauce 1 tablespoon
- Unsalted butter cold (2 tablespoons)
- Chopped green onion 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Begin by organizing and preparing all ingredients as outlined in the list. This step ensures a smooth cooking process.
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed pan, such as a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat to preheat.
- Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt, cracked black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Massage the spices into the chicken for even seasoning.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil to the heated pan and lay the chicken breasts skin-side down. Sear for approximately 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and cook on the bone-side for an additional 3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add more olive oil if the pan appears dry. Introduce the sliced onions, allowing them to soften and caramelize over 10–12 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Once the onions are golden and aromatic, sprinkle in the remaining teaspoon of paprika. Incorporate the minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its fragrance.
- Stir in the chicken stock, apricot preserves, pineapple chunks, reserved pineapple juice, and BBQ sauce. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the preserves have fully dissolved. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, placing them bone-side down. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer uncovered for 35 minutes, occasionally turning it in the sauce during the last 10 minutes to ensure thorough coating.
- Remove the chicken from the pan temporarily. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer the sauce for an additional 5–7 minutes to reduce and thicken it slightly. Turn off the heat once desired consistency is achieved.
- Whisk the cold butter into the sauce to achieve a glossy finish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of chopped green onion for added freshness.
- Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then carve it from the bone and return the sliced meat to the pan, ensuring it is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Serve the chicken generously coated with the sauce. Pair with your preferred side dish, and garnish with additional chopped green onion for a vibrant touch. Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha if desired for a spicy kick.
