Apricot Glazed Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Apricot glazed chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. The tangy sweetness of the apricot glaze complements the savory chicken, creating a mouthwatering experience. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through each step of creating this delicious apricot glazed chicken.

## Why Apricot Glaze Works So Well

The magic of apricot glazed chicken lies in the unique flavor profile of the apricot glaze. Apricots offer a natural sweetness with a slight tartness, which helps cut through the richness of the chicken. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a sticky, glossy coating that is both visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. The glaze also helps to keep the chicken moist and tender during cooking, preventing it from drying out.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

### For the Chicken:

* **Chicken pieces:** About 2.5 to 3 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breasts – bone-in and skin-on preferred for maximum flavor). You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces, or your favorite combination of chicken parts.
* **Olive oil:** 2 tablespoons, for browning the chicken.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black pepper:** ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Garlic powder:** ½ teaspoon
* **Onion powder:** ½ teaspoon
* **Paprika:** ½ teaspoon (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor).

### For the Apricot Glaze:

* **Apricot preserves:** 1 cup (choose a good quality preserve for the best flavor).
* **Dijon mustard:** 2 tablespoons. The slight tanginess balances the sweetness.
* **Soy sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Adds umami and depth.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon. Enhances the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
* **Apple cider vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Adds acidity to balance the sweetness.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a pungent aromatic note.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated (optional, but highly recommended for a warm, spicy note).
* **Red pepper flakes:** ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat).
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons, to adjust the consistency of the glaze.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect apricot glazed chicken.

### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. **Pat the chicken dry:** Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken pieces dry. This is crucial for achieving a crispy skin during browning.
2. **Season the chicken:** In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Massage the seasoning into the chicken for best results.

### Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. **Heat the oil:** In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the chicken pieces without overcrowding. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.
2. **Brown the chicken:** Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot skillet. Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step is important for developing flavor and creating a beautiful presentation. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point; the oven will finish the job.
3. **Remove the chicken:** Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

### Step 3: Prepare the Apricot Glaze

1. **Sauté the garlic and ginger (optional):** In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. **Combine the glaze ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes (if using), and water. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
3. **Pour the glaze into the skillet:** Pour the apricot glaze mixture into the skillet with the garlic and ginger (if used). Stir well to combine and bring the glaze to a simmer.

### Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. **Return the chicken to the skillet:** Place the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet with the apricot glaze, arranging them in a single layer. Make sure the chicken is partially submerged in the glaze.
2. **Bake the chicken:** Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. **Baste the chicken (optional):** During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can baste the chicken with the glaze a couple of times to enhance the flavor and create a more glossy finish. This step is optional but highly recommended.

### Step 5: Broil for Extra Caramelization (Optional)

1. **Broil the chicken:** If you want an even more caramelized and sticky glaze, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil until the glaze is bubbly and slightly charred.

### Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. **Rest the chicken:** Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. **Serve:** Serve the apricot glazed chicken hot, drizzled with the remaining glaze from the skillet. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness.

## Tips for the Best Apricot Glazed Chicken

* **Use bone-in, skin-on chicken:** Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are more flavorful and stay moister during baking. The skin also crisps up nicely and adds to the overall texture of the dish.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Brown the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the chicken from browning properly.
* **Use good quality apricot preserves:** The quality of the apricot preserves will directly impact the flavor of the glaze. Choose a preserve that is made with real apricots and has a rich, fruity flavor.
* **Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you like a bit more tang, add more apple cider vinegar. And if you want a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
* **Baste the chicken for extra flavor:** Basting the chicken with the glaze during the last 15 minutes of baking will enhance the flavor and create a more glossy finish.
* **Let the chicken rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.

## Serving Suggestions

Apricot glazed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve the chicken with steamed rice, brown rice, or wild rice to soak up the delicious apricot glaze.
* **Quinoa:** Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious alternative to rice that pairs well with apricot glazed chicken.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, are a great way to add color and nutrients to your meal.
* **Mashed potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Couscous:** Fluffy couscous is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with apricot glazed chicken. Consider adding some dried fruit and nuts for extra flavor and texture.

## Variations and Additions

* **Add herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to add depth and complexity to the glaze.
* **Use different fruits:** Try using other fruit preserves, such as peach, plum, or orange marmalade, to create different flavor profiles.
* **Add nuts:** Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, over the chicken during the last few minutes of baking for added crunch and flavor.
* **Add dried fruit:** Add dried apricots, cranberries, or raisins to the glaze for extra sweetness and chewiness.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for an extra kick of heat.
* **Marinate the chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the apricot glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, before baking.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the glaze in advance:** The apricot glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Brown the chicken in advance:** The chicken can be browned a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the chicken.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover apricot glazed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** Approximately 400-500 per serving (depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the amount of glaze).
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams.
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams.
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams.

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

Apricot glazed chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!