Zesty Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe for Sweet-Savory Magic

Succulent and tender apricot chicken thighs deliver a burst of sweet-tangy flavor that dances across your palate.

The combination of juicy chicken and rich apricot glaze creates a mouthwatering meal that’s both elegant and comforting.

Weeknight dinners rarely look this impressive, with golden-brown chicken glistening under a vibrant apricot sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of fruity brightness and savory depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy households seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can whip up this stunning dish without stress.

Get ready to transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration with these irresistible apricot-infused chicken thighs.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Apricot Jam: Creates sweet foundation with deep fruity richness, choose high-quality preserves for best flavor complexity.
• Onions: Adds savory depth and aromatic base, select fresh firm onions without soft spots.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami and rich saltiness, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and beautiful glaze, raw honey offers more robust flavor profile.

• Chicken Thighs: Delivers tender, juicy meat with rich flavor, select bone-in thighs for maximum moisture and taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out natural chicken flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic warmth to the protein.

• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy complexity and slight sharpness to sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness with bright acidic notes.
• Garlic: Creates robust background flavor, fresh cloves provide more intense taste.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes warm, slightly spicy undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for gentle heat and subtle kick.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish offering bright color and light herbal freshness.

Tools for Apricot Chicken Dish

• Saucepan: Essential for preparing the sweet and tangy apricot sauce.
• Baking dish: Key tool for roasting chicken thighs evenly and catching delicious sauce.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for accurately measuring honey, soy sauce, and spices.
• Sharp knife: Needed for trimming chicken fat and chopping parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and basting chicken.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Oven mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Cooking Instructions for Apricot Chicken

• Sauce Preparation

Blend sweet apricot jam with zesty seasonings in a saucepan, creating a vibrant glaze that will bring incredible flavor to the chicken. Warm the mixture gently, stirring until everything melds together beautifully.

• Chicken Setup

Arrange chicken thighs in a baking dish, seasoning them with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper. The clean canvas awaits its delicious transformation.

• Glazing Magic

Lavish the chicken with the luscious apricot sauce, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating. Slide the dish into a warm oven, letting the flavors mingle and develop.

• Baking Perfection

Bake the chicken, occasionally spooning sauce over the top to keep it moist and infuse deeper flavors. Watch for a golden-brown finish that signals the dish is ready to delight.

• Final Touches

Let the chicken rest briefly after emerging from the oven. Drizzle with remaining sauce and scatter fresh herbs on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Flavor Variations for Apricot Marinade

• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time to ensure proper doneness without drying out the meat.
• Dial up or tone down heat by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, or swap with sriracha or chili paste for a different flavor profile.
• Caramelize the sauce by broiling chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, creating a deeper, more intense flavor and slightly crispy exterior.
• Prepare sauce and marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator for more profound flavor penetration and tender meat results.
• Substitute apricot jam with peach preserves, orange marmalade, or mango chutney for unique taste variations that complement the savory chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Apricot Chicken

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve these tangy apricot chicken thighs with warm fluffy rice to catch all the delicious sauce, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together at the table.
• Global Plate Companion: Pair the chicken with roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add colorful nutrition and complement the sweet-savory flavor profile.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful chicken salad by shredding the meat and mixing with crisp celery, green onions, and a light mayo dressing for a refreshing next-day lunch option.
• Elegant Side Harmony: Prepare creamy mashed potatoes or buttery couscous as a smooth, neutral base that will beautifully showcase the vibrant apricot sauce and tender chicken thighs.

Keeping Chicken Thighs Fresh After Cooking

• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra chicken thighs during this recipe and slice them for quick lunch salads or grain bowls throughout the week. Cold or warmed, these tender pieces add delicious protein to multiple meals.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make chicken soggy. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Fully cooked chicken thighs with sauce freeze beautifully in sealed freezer bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Hack: Warm chicken gently in microwave or oven to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or foil to trap steam, ensuring juicy, tender meat that tastes freshly cooked.

Tender Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent apricot chicken thighs blend Mediterranean flavors with sweet and savory notes. Herb-infused marinade and caramelized fruit create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 chicken thighs
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) apricot jam
• 2 tbsps (30 ml / 1 fl oz) soy sauce
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) honey
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) finely diced onions
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) minced garlic
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz) ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml / 0.02 fl oz) red pepper flakes (optional)
• fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk apricot jam, onions, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan over medium heat until glossy and well-integrated.
2. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
3. Chicken Preparation: Trim excess fat from chicken thighs, arrange in a lightly greased baking dish, and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Sauce Application: Cascade prepared apricot sauce over chicken, ensuring thorough coating and even distribution.
5. Initial Roasting: Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and roast uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and chicken to begin cooking.
6. Final Roasting: Baste chicken with pan sauce, then continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches perfect golden-brown doneness.
7. Resting and Serving: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, skim excess grease from sauce, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving with reserved sauce.

Notes

• Sauce Prep Tip: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, well-blended flavors that penetrate the chicken completely.
• Temperature Control: Monitor oven heat closely to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown caramelization without drying out chicken.
• Basting Technique: Spooning sauce over chicken multiple times intensifies flavor and keeps meat incredibly juicy and tender.
• Sauce Skimming Secret: Remove excess fat from sauce after cooking to create a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg