If you’ve been searching for a delightful way to brighten up your dinner table with a perfect balance of sweet and savory, this Apricot Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. With tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, tangy Apricot glaze infused with the savory depth of dry onion soup mix and a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, but it delivers a flavor profile so rich and comforting, you’ll find yourself eager to share it again and again with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward yet bring so much flavor, texture, and color to the Apricot Chicken Recipe. Each component works together to create that signature balance of sweetness from apricot jam and the savory, tangy notes from salad dressing and spices.
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender protein when cooked just right.
- ½ cup Western or Red Russian salad dressing: Adds creamy tanginess and a hint of spice that complements the sweet apricot.
- ½ cup apricot jam: Brings the glorious sweet, fruity depth that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 1 oz. dry onion soup mix (1 envelope): Infuses savory onion flavor with herbs, adding complexity with hardly any effort.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium): Enhances umami and balances the sweetness perfectly, without overpowering.
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Gives just a touch of heat to keep the flavors lively and interesting.
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder: Adds a subtle sharpness that underscores the dish’s sweet and savory harmony.
How to Make Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with a nonstick cooking spray. This little step prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup later on.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts neatly in a single layer inside the baking dish. This ensures even cooking and lets each piece soak up that amazing sauce later on.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Western or Red Russian salad dressing, apricot jam, dry onion soup mix, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and dry mustard powder. Mix until everything’s nicely blended into a smooth, flavorful sauce that’s bursting with sweet and savory goodness.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Pour the luscious sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. This is where the magic happens — the chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to gently cook and the sauce to start thickening around it, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step lets the sauce caramelize just a bit and ensures your chicken breasts are perfectly cooked through without drying out. When done, they should be tender, juicy, and mouth-wateringly coated in apricot sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Apricot Chicken Recipe is ready, serve it hot, spooning extra sauce from the pan over the top. It’s especially delicious when served with a fluffy bed of rice to soak up all those vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness and a pop of color can elevate this dish beautifully. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the top right before serving. Thinly sliced green onions or a few toasted almonds can also add texture and subtle flavor bursts that contrast perfectly with the sweet sauce.
Side Dishes
This Apricot Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic choice to absorb the sauce, but roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp green salad make fantastic companions. The idea is to keep the sides light and fresh to complement the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner party? Serve the chicken over a bed of buttery couscous mixed with dried apricots and toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of apricot flavor. You can also arrange colorful roasted root vegetables around the chicken in the baking dish for eye-catching presentation straight from oven to table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though trust me, it’s rare!), store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Apricot Chicken Recipe to enjoy later, too. Place the cooled chicken with sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat or in the microwave, making sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and can be even juicier than breasts. Just adjust the baking time slightly, since thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What kind of apricot jam works best?
Choose a high-quality apricot jam with a nice balance of sweetness and natural fruit flavor. Avoid overly sugary or artificially flavored jams to keep the sauce fresh and vibrant.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure the dry onion soup mix and soy sauce you use are certified gluten-free versions. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives that work perfectly here.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
You can, though the baking method helps develop the rich flavor and caramelized sauce. For a stovetop version, simmer the chicken covered in the sauce over low heat until fully cooked and tender, but watch closely to avoid burning the sauce.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle touch of heat, balancing out the sweetness without overpowering. Feel free to adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Apricot Chicken Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that’s as easy to make as it is to love. The comforting blend of sweet and savory flavors makes it an irresistible weeknight winner or special occasion treat. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a cherished part of your cooking rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apricot Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a flavorful sauce made with apricot jam, onion soup mix, and a blend of savory seasonings. The dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, ideal for a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner served over rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Sauce
- ½ cup Western or Red Russian salad dressing
- ½ cup apricot jam
- 1 oz. dry onion soup mix (1 envelope)
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish.
- Mix Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the salad dressing, apricot jam, dry onion soup mix, low-sodium soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and dry mustard powder. Stir thoroughly to create a uniform sauce.
- Coat Chicken: Pour the mixed sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to begin cooking and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the chicken for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken over rice. Spoon extra sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1-2 hours before baking, if time permits.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ tsp.
