Apricot Pecan Chicken
Sweet apricot preserves paired with crunchy pecans create a flavorful glaze for tender baked chicken, making this dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Delicious and easy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a small baking dish with foil.
- Place the chicken, skin side up (or skinless if preferred), in the prepared dish.
- Spread the apricot preserves evenly over the chicken.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes during baking.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the apricot preserves for a few hours or overnight before baking. You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. For a more savory twist, consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the apricot preserves.
Serving Suggestions
This Apricot Pecan Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside a side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious apricot sauce. For an inspiring meal, explore other chicken recipes like Southern Chicken And Dumplings or Quick Broccoli And Rice Casserole for additional flavor combinations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apricot Pecan Chicken contains roughly 859 calories, with 13g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 11g 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 instead of apricot preserves?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you'll need to cook them down with some sugar to create a similar consistency to preserves. Simmer chopped apricots with a bit of water and sugar until thickened, then use it in place of the preserves in the recipe.
What can I serve with Apricot Pecan Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette can complement the sweetness of the apricot. To elevate your meal, consider serving it with a warm bowl of Baked Potato Soup(Baked Potatoes Give This Soup A Delightful Flavor) on the side.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and apply the apricot preserves a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you're ready to bake it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
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).