Who knew that transforming simple boneless skinless chicken thighs into an explosion of flavor could be so easy? Let me share with you the magic of apricot chicken.
This recipe combines the sweetness of apricot jam with the tang of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar, rounded off with the comforting warmth of ginger, garlic, and onion. It's not just a meal; it's a symphony of flavors, all coming together in one pan for a quick dinner that promises to be a hit on any weeknight.
The best part? It's a breeze to whip up in a skillet, making your cooking experience as delightful as the dish itself. Get ready, because the unique blend of these ingredients is about to make this dish a standout star in your family dinner ideas.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
I promise, this skillet apricot chicken will become a staple at your family dinners. Its simplicity is what makes it perfect for those hectic weeknight meal ideas.
Plus, the combination of apricot jam, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar creates a tangy chicken recipe that's an absolute delight. It's not just about the ease; this dish is a crowd-pleaser with its sweet and tangy flavors appealing to all palates.
Trust me, for a quick dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor, this is your new go-to meal!
Ingredients Needed
How to Make Apricot Chicken
I do all the cooking for this chicken in a skillet - no oven required!
Heat the skillet on medium heat with a little oil. Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and pepper and add to the pan.
Cook about 4 to 5 minutes each side, until nearly done. Then remove from the pan to a plate.
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Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl: jam, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and ginger. Set aside for a minute.
If needed, add a little more oil to the skillet, then add the chopped onion and cook for a few minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour the apricot mixture to the skillet, scraping the pan to loosen the browned bits from the bottom. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, turning each piece to coat both sides.
Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is fully cooked through.
The chicken is ready to eat right away, but if you need to finish preparing your sides simply reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and the sauce will deepen even more with yummy flavor.
Serving Suggestions
I love to serve this with brown rice, you can drizzle a little of the sauce on it to enjoy that delicious flavor. Add a green vegetable or a simple salad and you have a wonderfully well-rounded meal!
A broccoli kale salad would be nice as well. I'll have to try that the next time. Because there WILL be a next time!
Substitutions and Variations
My favorite substitute in this recipe is to use sugar free preserves/jam. It lowers the carbs so much and you truly cannot tell! So my guy can have his apricot chicken with rice and I can have it without for a low carb meal! Win-win!
Storage
Leftovers keep very well in the fridge, in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
Feel free to use any fruit preserves you have on hand. Apricot preserves are recommended for their unique flavor, but peach or orange marmalade can work as a delightful twist.
Leftover apricot chicken stores beautifully in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to three days. It's also freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
📖 Recipe
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Easy Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- 1¾-2 pounds chicken thighs boneless skinless (about 6)
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ginger fresh minced
- ¼ cup onion diced
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.1¾-2 pounds chicken thighs, Salt and pepper
- Heat a little oil in a large skillet on medium heat.Cooking oil
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until almost done. Remove the chicken to a plate.
- Mix the apricot jam, water, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and minced ginger in a small bowl and set aside.1 cup apricot preserves, ¼ cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon ginger
- Add the diced onion to the skillet (add a splash of oil is needed) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Add the garlic and cook 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant.¼ cup onion, 1 garlic clove
- Add the apricot mixture to the skillet, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen and mix in any browned bits. Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning each piece to coat with the apricot sauce.
- Simmer the contents for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken and the chicken is cooked through.
- This apricot chicken can be served right away, but if you need to prepare side dishes, cover the pan and lower the heat to very low to keep the chicken and sauce warm. This will result in a deeper flavor in the sauce, just be very careful that it doesn't burn.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Carol
This was so good! The apricots make the dish and I liked that is was something different.
Sula
The sweetness of apricot with the umami of the soy really make this yummy for me!
Emilie
My husband and kids love boneless chicken thighs! Thanks for an easy and delicious new way to prepare them! Yum!
Sula
Wonderful! It's such a win to find a new family favorite!
Jenny J
This was so fast and delicious! We served this with white rice and steamed broccoli for a weeknight dinner
Sula
Delicious combination!
Dawn
Had this for dinner last night and it went down a treat. Will have to make a double batch next time!
Sula
It's just the best when the whole family enjoys the meal, right?
Lynn
This recipe was delicious! I served it with some brown rice and roasted broccoli and my family ate it all up!
Sula
It goes quickly here too! Its become part of my regular rotation because its so easy and fast, and everyone loves it!
Rachna
I really enjoyed this chicken. It wasn't overly sweet either. I served it with rice and salad. Delicious.
Sula
Wonderful, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Its a new favorite in our house!
Claire
Wow I was just wondering what to have for dinner and found this thanks it's so amazing 👌👍🤗
Sula
You're welcome, enjoy!