Easy Oven-Baked Apricot Chicken
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Brighten up your meals with this deliciously saucy apricot chicken! Tender, juicy chicken is coated with a sweet and savory glaze made with apricot preserves, chicken broth, spices, and seasonings, then baked to perfection in the oven. Made in just 45 minutes, it’s a stress-free dinner option guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
There’s nothing like enjoying a warm homemade meal after a long day. It’s super convenient to have something cooking in the oven – it’s mostly a hands-free, effortless way to prepare a meal for busy days or when you’re entertaining. Last week, cheese-stuffed meatloaf, then pineapple teriyaki pork chops a few days ago. These oven-baked dinners are super easy to make, and I’m so happy to add apricot chicken to the rotation!
Just a few pantry staples, a baking dish, and a little time in the oven, and you’ll have a hearty meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. This dish is perfect for weeknight family dinners, parties, potlucks, and just about any occasion you can think of. With less than an hour to make, this oven-baked beauty will surely become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Oven-baked convenience: Just mix, pour, and bake – let the oven do the work while you go about your day.
- Big, fresh flavor: Sweet apricots, rich chicken broth, and tangy mustard create a delicious flavor fest of a sauce.
- All-around dish: Simple enough for a quick weeknight meal at home, but special enough to share at gatherings.
- Customizable: Swap the ingredients, switch up the spices, and add your favorite mix-ins to make this recipe your own.
- Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
How to Make Apricot Chicken
In just 45 minutes, you can enjoy oven-baked apricot chicken. Baking locks in moisture, giving you perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time. Just coat the chicken with the sauce, bake, garnish, and serve. It’s the easiest chicken dinner ever!
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken thighs: I use bone-in chicken thighs since they are less expensive and provide better flavor, in my opinion. Boneless chicken thighs can also be used, but you may need to decrease the cooking time to avoid overcooking. Drumsticks also work in a pinch, but you’ll need to double the quantity since there is less meat.
- Apricot preserves: For a more natural flavor, I recommend using preserves with real fruit and less sugar.
- Chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth so you can better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Dijon mustard: For that delicious tangy kick.
- Salt and ground black pepper
- Parsley: The perfect finish to apricot chicken!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Warning: apricot chicken is seriously addictive! You’ll want to make it on repeat, especially since it’s super easy to make. Prep for just 5 minutes, pop it in the oven, and it’s ready in 40 minutes! No fuss, no stress.
Step 1: Prep the chicken
Preheat your oven to 375 F. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Bake
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken thighs whole with the sauce spooned over the top.
Substitutions
Make this dish using ingredients you love or have on hand. Here are my substitution recommendations:
- Chicken thighs: Try a variation of this dish using bone-in pork chops.
- Apricot preserves: Use orange or peach marmalade if apricot preserves are unavailable.
- Chicken broth: Substitute chicken broth or use beef broth for a richer flavor.
- Dijon mustard: No Dijon mustard? Use whole-grain instead.
- Parsley: Replace fresh parsley with dried (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh), or substitute with fresh cilantro or chives.
Expert Tips
- Sear the chicken thighs: If you’re not in a hurry, take the extra step to sear the chicken thighs quickly in a hot skillet before baking – this helps seal in the flavor and lock in the juices.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to balance the sweetness.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices before serving.
- Add veggies: Add veggies like baby carrots, sliced onions, or bell peppers to the mix.
- Serve with grains: Since apricot chicken is quite saucy, you’ll want something to soak up the sauce. Serve it with grains like rice, couscous, quinoa, or a low-carb alternative.
- Double the sauce: Love extra sauce? Make a little more and drizzle it over rice, potatoes, or veggies for a full meal.
How to Store This Recipe
Let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
What to Serve with Apricot Chicken
Serve apricot chicken with your choice of rice – we love it with rice pilaf or cauliflower rice. It’s also delicious on a bed of make-ahead mashed potatoes or with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
More Easy Chicken Dinners To Try
- Ruth’s Christ stuffed chicken
- Blackened chicken tenders
- Herb-crusted chicken
- Cheesy chicken asparagus bake
If you make this apricot chicken, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Quick And Easy Baked Apricot Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 °F. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the chicken thighs whole with the sauce spooned over the top.
Video
Notes
- Sear the chicken thighs: If you’re not in a hurry, take the extra step to sear the chicken thighs quickly in a hot skillet before baking – this helps seal in the flavor and lock in the juices.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to balance the sweetness.
- Let it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in the juices before serving.
- Add veggies: Add veggies like baby carrots, sliced onions, or bell peppers to the mix.
- Serve with grains: Since apricot chicken is quite saucy, you’ll want something to soak up the sauce. Serve it with grains like rice, couscous, quinoa, or a low-carb alternative.
- Double the sauce: Love extra sauce? Make a little more and drizzle it over rice, potatoes, or veggies for a full meal.
