Apricot Chicken (One Pot)

Quick and easy apricot chicken recipe, made with simple ingredients in one pot on stovetop. This 30 minute meal is sweet and spicy with soft and tender chicken breasts.

If you are fond of the the sweet and spicy flavor combination, you would love this apricot chicken recipe, just as much as my  One Pot Pineapple Chicken or this One Pot Honey Garlic Chicken.

Key ingredients

• Oil- Used to saute the chicken and add flavor.
• Chicken- I used chicken breasts, but you can use other cuts.
• Onion- Brings in lots of flavor to the dish.
• Garlic- You will want this to be freshly minced.
• Ginger- Be sure it is fresh and finely minced.
• Apricot preserves- You can also use jam, but whichever you choose be sure it is of the highest quality.
• Soy sauce- Use low sodium to avoid your dish becoming overly salty.
• Dijon mustard- This is different than your regular mustard and I suggest using it for best the taste.
• Salt and pepper- Classic spices you can adjust according to preference.
• Red chili flakes- This is optional but adds a bit of a kick.
• Chicken broth- Use low sodium or even water.
• Garnish- Parsley is a great option.

Variations

• Baked option- Mix all the ingredients (from the recipe below) in a large bowl and marinade for at least 1 hour or overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked. Cook the remaining marinade in a nonstick saucepan on the stovetop until it thickens. Brush it on the baked chicken, prior to serving.
• Slow cooker/crockpot version- Dump all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
• Try other chicken cuts- Such as drumsticks, wings, or thighs.
• Wraps- Put the chicken in lettuce or a tortilla to make various delicious wraps
• Grilled option- Throw the chicken on the grill and when fully cooked add it to the prepared sauce and allow to simmer together to soak in the flavors.

How do you make apricot chicken?

1. Saute chicken- Until golden brown.
2. Add in- Onions, ginger, garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.
3. Mix in- Apricot preserves, soy sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, red chili flakes and broth.
4. Cover and cook- For a few minutes.
5. Uncover and cook- Until sauce is thickened.
6. Garnish- With parsley and enjoy.

What to serve with apricot chicken?

Serve this meal with a side of rice, such as Coconut Rice (One Pot) or Pineapple Rice (One Pot). It can also be served alongside roasted vegetables like Oven Roasted Green Beans, Oven Roasted Broccoli or Oven Roasted Asparagus.

Tips and techniques

• Use a nonstick pot- To prevent sticking and burning.
• Use the highest quality apricot jam or preserves- That you can find for best flavor. Farmer markets have some of the freshest ones I have ever had.
• Adjust the amount of red chili flakes- Based on your preference, or you can omit them entirely, if you are not fond of spicy food.
• Instead of chicken breasts- You can also use chicken thighs, drumsticks or wings.
• Make sure you are using low sodium broth- To prevent the meal from getting too salty. Broth can also be replaced with water.
• If the sauce is too thick- Add a little water and cook for about 2-3 minutes to thin it out. If it is too thin, cook uncovered for a few minutes until liquid is reduced.
• You can use either preserves or jam- Because there is no noticeable difference. Just use the best quality you can find for the best flavor.
• Use low sodium soy sauce- To prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Recipe FAQs

Storage

• Make ahead- This can be prepped a head of time if stored in a sealed container. If kept in the fridge it will last up to 2 days. If kept in the freezer it will last about a month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
• Refrigerate- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze- Store in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
• Reheat- You can warm this up in the microwave or over the stovetop.

More One Pot Chicken Recipes

• One Pot 40 Cloves Garlic Chicken
• Chili Lime Chicken (One Pan)
• Cashew Chicken (One Pot)
• Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Chicken
• Chicken and Broccoli (One Pot)

Recipe