Baked Chicken Breast With Apricot Sauce
Juicy baked chicken breasts topped with a sweet apricot sauce and toasted almonds, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with a delightful blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt oleo and olive oil in a shallow pan.
- Coat chicken breast halves with unbleached flour and salt.
- Roast the coated chicken in the oven at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and plain yogurt to make the sauce.
- Spread the apricot sauce on the roasted chicken.
- Bake the chicken with sauce at 350°F for an additional 25 minutes.
- Brown the slivered almonds in a pan.
- Sprinkle toasted almonds on top of the chicken before serving.
- Serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts instead of skinless for added moisture. If you're out of apricot preserves, peach or orange marmalade can provide a similar sweetness and tang. To enhance the dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the apricot sauce for a subtle kick. This dish can be paired with sides from other American recipes, like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken breast with apricot sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad make excellent side dishes, balancing the flavors of the dish. For a delightful variation, serve with a side of Mustard Fried Chicken for a unique twist on the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked chicken can be stored 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 until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Breast With Apricot Sauce contains roughly 548 calories, with 12g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 916mg per serving (40% 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 other types of preserves for this recipe?
Absolutely! While apricot preserves are the star of this dish, you can substitute them with peach, apricot, or orange marmalade for a different flavor profile. Each option will add its unique sweetness and enhance the chicken beautifully.
What should I do if my chicken breasts are thick?
If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness or cutting them in half horizontally before coating with flour. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness, allowing the chicken to absorb more of the apricot sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the apricot sauce a day ahead. Keep them separate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld while ensuring the chicken stays moist during cooking. Just follow the baking instructions when you're ready to serve.
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).