If you are craving something that tastes indulgent but comes together effortlessly, this Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a vibrant, sweet-savory dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender chicken with a glossy, fruity sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The balance of apricot jam, zesty orange juice, and a hint of soy sauce makes each bite irresistible, while the quick cooking time means you can have a delicious homemade meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner plan, this recipe shines with simplicity and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role. From juicy chicken to the bright splash of orange juice and that luscious apricot jam, every item brings a layer of flavor and texture that makes this dish sing on your palate.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Sesame oil is preferred for its nutty aroma, but any neutral oil will help brown the chicken perfectly.
- 1 pound diced chicken breast: Chicken breast cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with its classic savory warmth.
- 1/3 cup orange juice: Brings a citrusy brightness, balancing the sauce’s sweetness.
- 1 cup apricot jam (or preserves): The star ingredient providing that signature fruity richness and natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce: Adds a smoky, tangy dimension to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Gives a salty umami depth that rounds everything out.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Enhances sweetness with a smooth, natural touch.
- Chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and rice: Perfect finishing touches that add color, texture, and a comforting base for the chicken.
How to Make Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken breast and cook until it gets a nice golden-brown crust. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage; the next steps will finish it perfectly. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This base is where your layers of flavor begin forming, with caramelized chicken bits and softened aromatics setting the stage.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Pour the orange juice into the skillet, using your spoon or spatula to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the bottom. That’s liquid gold right there! Turn the heat down to medium and add the apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This vibrant mixture is what transforms the chicken into a delightful dance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and then lower the heat to keep it bubbling softly. Let the chicken cook through until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce thickens to your liking. This simmering time allows the sauce to cling beautifully to every piece of chicken, creating that irresistible glaze. Serve your Quick Apricot Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice and sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make a huge difference here. Bright green chopped scallions not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, mild onion flavor that contrasts delightfully with the rich sauce. Toasted sesame seeds bring crunch and a subtle nuttiness that complements the sesame oil used in cooking. These easy touches elevate the dish from weeknight dinner to something you’d serve guests with pride.
Side Dishes
Because the chicken is served over rice, you already have a comforting base. For added balance, consider steamed or stir-fried veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or bell peppers, which bring freshness and crunch. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also cut through the sweetness of the apricot sauce, keeping the meal vibrant and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get creative by arranging this Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option that adds cool brightness. Alternatively, serving it alongside cauliflower rice or quinoa makes for a low-carb or protein-packed twist. Even wrapping the chicken in warm flatbreads with some crunchy slaw and a drizzle of extra sauce can turn this into an exciting fusion-style meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, so just warm it gently with a splash of water or extra orange juice to loosen it back up when reheating. This recipe scales well and makes for an easy next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, pack cooled chicken and sauce tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to press out as much air as possible. Frozen apricot chicken remains delicious for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of liquid (like orange juice or water) prevents the sauce from drying out and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy. This method preserves the fresh flavors and delightful glaze, so it tastes just like the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, especially if you prefer dark meat. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
What can I substitute for apricot jam?
If you don’t have apricot jam, peach or mango preserves work nicely too, bringing their own fruity sweetness that complements the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, depending on the soy sauce used. Opt for a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and leans toward sweet and tangy, making it kid-friendly and approachable for all palates. You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to spice things up.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the onions and garlic ahead and even pre-mix the sauce ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and quicker when you’re ready to assemble.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to love how effortlessly delicious this Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe is. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, the beautiful balance of flavors and speedy preparation make it a total winner. I truly hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do. Once you do, this vibrant dish will surely earn its spot in your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Quick Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Quick Apricot Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe features tender chicken breast pieces cooked to perfection in a sweet and tangy apricot-based sauce enhanced with BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey. The dish is finished with fresh scallions and sesame seeds, served over rice for a satisfying meal bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Protein & Produce
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon oil (sesame or any neutral oil)
- 1/3 cup orange juice (or more for thinner sauce)
- 1 cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnishes & Sides
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Brown chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until it is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Then stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook everything together for another minute until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Pour the orange juice into the skillet with the chicken, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom to incorporate that flavor into the sauce. Lower the heat to medium, then add the apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Finish dish: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer until the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 160°F and the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Serve the apricot chicken hot over rice, garnished with chopped scallions and sprinkled sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more orange juice if you prefer it thinner.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
- Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
