Apricot Chicken Divine
A delightful baked chicken dish glazed with apricot preserves and Dijon mustard, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a sweet and savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt margarine with olive oil in a baking pan.
- Shake the chicken breasts in a bag with flour and salt until coated.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you're out of apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade can be great substitutes. To make the dish lighter, you can replace nonfat yogurt with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking. This dish is a delightful twist on classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Apricot Chicken Divine pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also explore more chicken recipes to complement this dish, such as Carrie'S Chicken Casserole for a hearty side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid dryness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Chicken Divine contains roughly 216 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 984mg per serving (43% 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, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the coating adhere better. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water to speed up the thawing process.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don't have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or honey mustard can work as alternatives, though they will slightly change the flavor profile. For a spicier kick, consider using whole grain mustard, which adds texture and depth to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast. The chicken should also be no longer pink in the center and juices should run clear.
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).