Apricot Almond Chicken
A flavorful chicken dish with apricot preserves and toasted almonds, served over rice with fragrant herbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked long grain brown rice ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram ⓘ
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup apricot preserves ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken broth, uncooked brown rice, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, chopped red pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried marjoram; mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and top with the chicken breasts.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Uncover the dish.
- Place a tablespoon of apricot preserves on each chicken breast and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in apricot preserves mixed with a bit of soy sauce before baking. If you don't have long grain brown rice, you can substitute with white rice or quinoa, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Apricot Almond Chicken is delicious served with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Ruthie'S Chicken for a hearty dinner. You can also serve it with a light vinaigrette or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Almond Chicken contains roughly 1050 calories, with 37g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), protein (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2183mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure they are fully thawed before baking, as this will ensure even cooking. If using frozen, you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If you don’t have apricot preserves, you can substitute with peach or orange marmalade for a similar sweetness. Alternatively, a homemade fruit sauce made from pureed dried apricots and a bit of honey could also work well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced, indicating doneness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).