Apricot Glazed Chicken
Apricot glazed chicken offers a perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors, with apricot preserves and balsamic vinegar creating a luscious glaze. Ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and pairs well with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set oven to 375°F.
- Use a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Add chicken, turning to coat evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then turn the chicken.
- Bake for an additional 30 minutes.
- Turn the chicken 2 more times during baking.
- Serve with the remaining sauce alongside the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker glaze, simmer the apricot preserves with vinegar and soy sauce on the stove before adding to the chicken. If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, a mix of red wine vinegar and a touch of honey works well. You can also try using honey instead of apricot preserves for a different flavor profile. Serve with fresh herbs for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
This apricot glazed chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. It also goes well with sides like mashed potatoes or a crisp coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Glazed Chicken contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1448mg per serving (63% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but be mindful to adjust the cooking time. Boneless pieces will typically cook faster, so check for doneness around the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If apricot preserves are unavailable, you can substitute with peach preserves or a homemade fruit glaze using pureed fruit and sugar. Alternatively, a mixture of apricot nectar and sugar can create a similar consistency and flavor.
Is it possible to grill the chicken instead of baking?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the apricot mixture and then grilling it will impart a delicious smoky flavor. Keep the glaze handy to brush on while grilling for a sticky, flavorful finish.
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).