Sweet And Sour Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sweet and tangy apricot glazed chicken thighs offer a juicy, flavorful meal with a delightful glaze, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Served over rice with almonds and parsley.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat chicken dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken, skin side up, in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish.
- Combine apricot jam, chili sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Strain the mixture through a small strainer with the back of a spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Brush the skin side of the chicken with half the apricot glaze.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until tender, brushing with the remaining glaze.
- Serve on a bed of hot cooked rice, garnished with almond slivers and chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in the apricot glaze for a few hours before baking. If you don’t have apricot jam, peach or orange marmalade can be good substitutes. To add some heat, consider mixing in a dash of hot sauce with the glaze. Ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sweet and sour apricot glazed chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, which absorbs the delicious glaze. Garnish with toasted almond slivers and fresh chopped parsley for a pop of flavor and color. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
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 baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs contains roughly 150 calories, with 12g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (202% of the Daily Value), iron (96% of the Daily Value), and potassium (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 734mg per serving (32% 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 skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs, but keep in mind that the skin adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. If using skinless, consider basting the chicken more frequently with the glaze to enhance moisture and flavor.
What can I substitute for apricot jam?
If you don’t have apricot jam, you can substitute with peach preserves or orange marmalade. Both options will provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile, enhancing the dish while keeping it delicious.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and glaze a day ahead. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator, and then bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to develop further, making your meal even more delicious!
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).