Chicken In Apricot Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful apricot sauce with a hint of ginger and mustard, topped with toasted almonds for a delightful, sweet-savory meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken thighs and pat them dry.
- Place the chicken in a casserole dish and let stand in apple juice for 5 minutes.
- Mix dried apricots, ginger, and Dijon mustard to create the sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish.
- Spoon the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the apple juice concentrate for a couple of hours before baking. If you don't have dried apricots, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like peaches or figs. Adjust the Dijon mustard quantity to your taste; a little more can enhance the flavor if you enjoy a tangy kick. Pair this dish with rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken in apricot sauce alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with the flavors of rice pilaf or couscous. For a more substantial feast, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. This dish also makes a delightful centerpiece for any gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Apricot Sauce contains roughly 275 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% 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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may require less cooking time. Bake them for about 25 minutes instead of 30 to avoid drying them out. The sauce will still complement the chicken well.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the apricot sauce mixture. This will bring a nice heat that balances the sweetness of the apricots.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Assemble everything in the casserole dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).