Apricot Balsamic Chicken: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Apricot chicken is a classic comfort food dish, often featuring a sweet and savory combination of flavors. This recipe elevates the traditional apricot chicken by adding a touch of balsamic vinegar, creating a more complex and sophisticated taste profile. The balsamic vinegar’s tangy acidity balances the sweetness of the apricot preserves, resulting in a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. This Apricot Balsamic Chicken is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend gathering. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of sweet apricot preserves and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a delightful flavor profile that is both satisfying and unique.
* **Versatile:** Serve this chicken with rice, quinoa, couscous, or your favorite side dishes.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.
* **Impressive Yet Simple:** It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and juiciness. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
* **Apricot Preserves:** Use a high-quality apricot preserve for the best flavor. You can also use apricot jam or fruit spread, but adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the apricot preserves. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best results. Look for one that is thick and syrupy.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.
* **Garlic:** Garlic enhances the savory notes of the dish and complements the other flavors.
* **Soy Sauce:** Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor to the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic.
* **Dried Thyme:** Dried thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous note to the dish.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh parsley for garnish.
Detailed Recipe Instructions
This section provides a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious Apricot Balsamic Chicken.
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes
Equipment
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Knife and cutting board
* Tongs
Ingredients
* 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless chicken thighs/breasts)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup apricot preserves
* 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
* Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to season well, as this is the primary seasoning for the chicken itself.
**2. Sear the Chicken:**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps to render some of the fat from the skin.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
**3. Sauté Aromatics:**
* Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet.
* Cook the onion for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
**4. Make the Sauce:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and dried thyme.
* Pour the apricot balsamic sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer.
**5. Simmer the Chicken:**
* Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer in the sauce.
* Spoon the sauce over the chicken thighs to coat them evenly.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using boneless, skinless chicken, reduce the simmering time to 20-25 minutes.
**6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):**
* If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
* Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a boil.
* Simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened to your desired consistency. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
**7. Serve:**
* Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
* Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot with rice, quinoa, couscous, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Apricot Balsamic Chicken
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality apricot preserves and balsamic vinegar for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** When searing the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of apricot preserves. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
* **Let it Rest:** After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Broil for Extra Crispiness:** For extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after simmering. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Make Ahead:** This dish can be made ahead of time. Simply prepare the chicken and sauce according to the recipe instructions, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Apricot Balsamic Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or basmati rice are all excellent choices.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken.
* **Couscous:** Couscous is a light and fluffy side dish that is easy to prepare.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots, add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the chicken.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
* **Spicy Apricot Balsamic Chicken:** Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Honey Apricot Balsamic Chicken:** Replace some of the apricot preserves with honey for a different flavor profile.
* **Mustard Apricot Balsamic Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy and savory twist.
* **Apricot Balsamic Chicken with Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the skillet along with the chicken.
* **Slow Cooker Apricot Balsamic Chicken:** This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Enjoy this delightful Apricot Balsamic Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor. Experiment with variations and side dishes to create your own unique culinary experience. Happy cooking!