Apricot And Currant Chicken
Juicy chicken quarters glazed with orange marmalade and spiced with ginger, paired with dried apricots and currants for a sweet, tangy, and aromatic dish perfect for special dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place chicken quarters skin side up in a shallow pan.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and ground ginger.
- Spread orange marmalade over the chicken and pour apple and orange juice into the pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and add dried apricots and currants to the pan in the juice.
- Sprinkle dried fruit with brown sugar.
- Return to the oven and bake, basting often, for an additional 40 to 45 minutes.
- Remove chicken and dried fruit to a platter.
- Pour the sauce into a gravy boat and serve with the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange marmalade and juices for a few hours before baking. If you don’t have dried currants, raisins can be a great substitute. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to taste, depending on your preference for sweetness. Keep an eye on the chicken towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of Easy Sour Cream Potatoes or a light salad for a balanced meal. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken pair wonderfully with steamed green beans or a fresh vegetable medley. Drizzle some of the sauce over the sides for extra flavor. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or a festive occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover apricot and currant chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot And Currant Chicken contains roughly 390 calories, with 3g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh apricots and currants instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but keep in mind that they will provide less sweetness and moisture compared to dried ones. If using fresh currants, consider adjusting the brown sugar in the recipe to achieve the desired sweetness. You may need to adjust the baking time as well, as fresh fruits can cook differently.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, consider using skinless chicken quarters or substituting some of the marmalade with a sugar-free version. You can also reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Incorporating more vegetables into the dish can also enhance its nutritional profile.
What can I serve with apricot and currant chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or couscous, as they will soak up the delicious sauce. Additionally, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can complement the sweetness of the chicken. For a comforting side, consider making Chicken Tetrazzini (Low-Fat Recipe) to enjoy leftovers in a new way.
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).