Description
Glazed Apricot Chicken brings sweet and tangy flavors that make dinner feel special without complicated cooking. Tender chicken gets dressed in a rich apricot sauce that turns an ordinary weeknight meal into something memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it or line with foil for easy cleanup. Thoroughly dry 6 chicken thighs using paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden and crisp.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging them skin-side up. Generously pour the apricot glaze over each thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze becomes bubbly and caramelized.
- After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the meat more tender.
- Before serving, spoon the additional glaze from the baking dish over the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh chopped herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat.
- Choose ripe, fresh apricots for the most vibrant and natural sweetness in the glaze.
- When grilling, watch the chicken carefully to prevent burning from the sugars in the apricot glaze.
- For a lower-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free apricot preserves and use a monk fruit sweetener.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg