Spicy Glazed Apricot Chicken
Spicy glazed apricot chicken features tender rolled breasts filled with chili peppers and cheese, coated with egg and crumbs, then baked to a savory, sweet, and spicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz. Wish-Bone Russian salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 package onion soup mix ⓘ
- 10 to 12 oz. jar apricot preserves ⓘ
- Canned whole chili peppers (about 6 to 7 oz. can)
- 1 egg ⓘ
- Approximately 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs ⓘ
- Monterey Jack cheese (about 1/2 lb. for 6 rolls) ⓘ
- Bacon strips (optional, for wrapping) ⓘ
Instructions
- Open chili peppers and remove seeds.
- Pound chicken breasts with the edge of a saucer to make them thinner.
- Insert a strip of chili pepper and a strip of cheese into each chicken breast and roll them up.
- Secure each roll with several toothpicks.
- Optional: wrap bacon around each chicken roll and secure with toothpicks.
- Dip each roll into beaten egg, then coat with Italian bread crumbs.
- Bake the rolls at 350°F for about 30 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or using spicy apricot preserves. You can substitute the onion soup mix with homemade onion powder and salt if preferred. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, any melty cheese like cheddar or pepper jack works well. For a lighter version, skip the bacon and use less oil.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken rolls pair beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You could also serve them with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. For a fun twist, consider serving with a side of Chicken Vegetable Crock-Pot Soup for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Spicy Glazed Apricot Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Glazed Apricot Chicken contains roughly 501 calories, with 41g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron.
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
If you don't have apricot preserves, peach preserves or a similar fruit preserve can work as a substitute. You could also make a quick sauce using honey, soy sauce, and a splash of vinegar if you're looking for a different flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
For a vegetarian version, consider using large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices as a base, adding cheese and chili peppers for flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since vegetables will cook faster than chicken.
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).