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

Scale

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

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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.