This oven-baked chicken dish brings minimal effort, crowd-pleasing flavor to the table in just 45 minutes - perfect for family meals or entertaining. 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. It’s easy enough for weeknight family meals, but special enough for parties and potlucks.
Preheat your oven to 375 °F. Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a greased 9x13-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.
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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.
Serve: Serve apricot chicken with your choice of rice. It’s also delicious on a bed of mashed potatoes, a side of crusty bread or a light salad.Store: 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.