If you're searching for a delightful and easy dish to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than this Quick Apricot Chicken recipe. Combining the sweet and tangy flavors of apricot with savory chicken, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Read on to discover how to make this scrumptious meal, complete with tips for perfecting the recipe and serving it beautifully.

What is Apricot Chicken?
Apricot Chicken is a flavorful dish that blends tender chicken breast with a sweet and tangy apricot sauce. The sauce, made with apricot jam or preserves, orange juice, and a few other key ingredients, creates a delightful glaze that coats the chicken pieces. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to suit your taste.
Ingredients List for Apricot Chicken
To make this Quick Apricot Chicken recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil (sesame or any neutral oil)
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup orange juice (or more for a thinner sauce)
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Optional for Serving:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Rice
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Quick Apricot Chicken recipe is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Protein Variations: Substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Jam Alternatives: Use peach or plum jam instead of apricot for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your Quick Apricot Chicken:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the chicken breast, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer until it thickens and coats the chicken, about 10 minutes.
- Optional Garnishes: If desired, top with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
How to Cook Apricot Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Apricot Chicken is straightforward and rewarding. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:

- Heat the Skillet: Use a large, non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Brown the Chicken: Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly browned but not overcooked. This step adds depth to the flavor.
- Saute the Aromatics: Cooking the onion and garlic until soft enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Mix the Sauce Thoroughly: Whisking the sauce ingredients well ensures a smooth and cohesive sauce.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the sauce to simmer gently to reach the desired consistency without burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To achieve the best results with your Apricot Chicken, be mindful of these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding the Pan: This can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Not Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more orange juice. If too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can become dry if overcooked. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays juicy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Quick Apricot Chicken even more appealing, consider these serving and presentation tips:
- Serve with Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a perfect accompaniment, soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Chopped scallions and sesame seeds add color and texture.
- Use a Pretty Platter: Presenting the dish on a nice platter can make a big difference in its appeal.
How to Serve Apricot Chicken
Apricot Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Rice or Quinoa: Both absorb the sauce well and provide a neutral base.
- Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad complement the flavors nicely.
- Noodles: Serve over rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
Presentation Ideas for Apricot Chicken
Make your dish look as good as it tastes with these presentation ideas:
- Garnish Generously: Use plenty of chopped scallions and sesame seeds.
- Color Contrast: Serve with brightly colored vegetables for a vibrant plate.
- Elegant Plating: Use a white plate to make the colors of the dish stand out.
Apricot Chicken Recipe Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you perfect your Apricot Chicken recipe:
- Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Double the Sauce: If you like a saucier dish, double the sauce ingredients.
- Use Fresh Apricots: For a seasonal twist, add chopped fresh apricots to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Apricot Chicken ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it gently on the stove. The flavors often improve after sitting for a while.
Q: Can I freeze Apricot Chicken? A: Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What can I use instead of apricot jam? A: Peach or plum jam works well, or you can use a homemade fruit puree.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: To make it gluten-free, ensure that the soy sauce and BBQ sauce you use are gluten-free.
Q: How can I make the sauce spicier? A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Conclusion
This Quick Apricot Chicken recipe is a fantastic option for a delicious and easy meal that will impress your family and friends. With its sweet and tangy sauce, tender chicken, and versatile serving options, it's sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try today, and enjoy the delightful flavors and simplicity of this wonderful dish. Happy cooking!
PrintQuick Apricot Chicken Recipe
Quick Apricot Chicken combines tender chicken breast with a sweet and savory apricot sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is bursting with flavor from ingredients like apricot jam, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Serve with rice and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil (sesame or neutral)
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Optional: chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken breast and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in orange juice, apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey.
- Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over rice, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the orange juice amount for your preferred sauce consistency.
- Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, but any neutral oil can be used.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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