Apricot Chicken is a delightfully sweet and savory dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a glossy, golden sauce made from apricot preserves and tangy seasonings. This popular recipe creates the perfect balance between fruity sweetness and savory depth, making it a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both adults and children. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the flavorful sauce, while the apricots add a beautiful color and a subtle fruity note that isn’t overwhelming. This recipe serves 6 people generously and is perfect for busy weeknights since it comes together in one pan with minimal prep work, yet feels special enough for entertaining guests.
Essential Ingredients for Success
For this delicious Apricot Chicken, gather these simple ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work best)
- 1 jar (18 ounces) apricot preserves or jam
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 bottle (8 ounces) Russian or Catalina salad dressing
- 1 can (15 ounces) apricot halves in juice, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Preparing Your Chicken
Start by patting the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the chicken brown properly and prevents the sauce from becoming watery. Season the chicken lightly with garlic powder and black pepper on all sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces skin-side down. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you may need to brown the chicken in batches depending on the size of your pan.
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip each piece and brown the other side for another 4-5 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just nicely browned all over. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Creating the Apricot Sauce
In the same pan with all those delicious browned bits, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the apricot preserves, onion soup mix, and salad dressing. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce.
Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the preserves melt completely and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable. If it seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water from the drained apricots.
Bringing It All Together
Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. The sauce should come about halfway up the chicken pieces. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
Let the chicken cook in the sauce for 25-30 minutes, turning the pieces once halfway through. The chicken is done when it’s tender and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the drained apricot halves to the pan, gently stirring them into the sauce.
Perfect Timing and Texture
The key to perfect Apricot Chicken is not rushing the cooking process. The low, slow simmer allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. The sauce should reduce slightly during cooking, becoming thick enough to coat the chicken beautifully.
If your sauce becomes too thick during cooking, add a splash of the reserved apricot juice or water. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Serving Your Apricot Chicken
This recipe serves 6 people perfectly, with each person getting a generous portion of chicken and plenty of that delicious sauce. The dish looks beautiful when served, with the golden sauce glistening over the tender chicken and colorful apricot pieces scattered throughout.
Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if using. The green onions add a fresh pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweet sauce perfectly.
Best Side Dishes
Apricot Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or rice pilaf, which soaks up every drop of that amazing sauce. Mashed potatoes or egg noodles also work beautifully. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple mixed salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Some people enjoy serving this over quinoa or couscous for a slightly different twist. The key is choosing sides that won’t compete with the star of the show – that gorgeous apricot sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftover Apricot Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and improve overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sweet and savory combination makes this a meal that everyone in the family will request again and again.
