Zesty Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe: Sweet & Savory Magic

Succulent apricot chicken thighs bring together sweet and savory flavors in a dish that reimagines ordinary weeknight dinners.

Tender meat becomes infused with a luscious glaze that balances fruity brightness and rich protein.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this delightful combination of ingredients that tantalize taste buds.

Unexpected fruit pairings elevate simple proteins into something extraordinary and memorable.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of complex tastes that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, making this recipe both accessible and impressive for home cooks.

The magic happens when careful seasoning meets strategic cooking techniques.

Keeping Apricot Chicken Thighs Fresh for Round Two

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving to ensure food safety.

What to Plate with Apricot Chicken Thighs Tonight

• Craft a Sweet and Tangy Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the apricot sauce's sweet and tangy profile, balancing the chicken's rich flavors with its light, fruity notes.
• Match with Zesty Side Dishes: Serve alongside herbed couscous or a quinoa salad with bright citrus elements to cut through the sauce's sweetness and add textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Create a Refreshing Beverage Companion: Pour a chilled ginger-peach iced tea that echoes the apricot and spice notes in the dish, providing a cooling counterpoint to the warm, savory chicken.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Accompaniments: Prepare a fresh green salad with mint and parsley to brighten the plate, offering a crisp, clean flavor that complements the rich, sweet-and-spicy chicken thighs.

Twists and Spins on Classic Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Spicy Apricot Fusion: Add chipotle peppers or harissa paste to the sauce for a fiery kick that elevates the chicken's flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace ground ginger with oregano and thyme, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese as a final garnish for a Greek-inspired meal.
• Tropical Coconut Version: Swap apple cider vinegar with coconut milk and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for a creamy, island-style transformation.
• Slow Cooker Simplicity: Adapt the recipe for a crockpot by placing chicken thighs and sauce ingredients together, cooking on low for 6-7 hours for a hands-off approach.

Why You’ll Keep Making Apricot Chicken Thighs Again and Again

• Unlock Sweet and Savory Fusion: This recipe brilliantly combines the tangy sweetness of apricot jam with savory chicken thighs, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion that dances between fruity and rich.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The simple baking technique makes this dish incredibly beginner-friendly, requiring minimal cooking skills while delivering professional-level results with just one baking dish and straightforward steps.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: From prep to plate, this meal takes less than an hour, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, with most ingredients likely already in your pantry.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: The flexible sauce recipe allows home cooks to adjust spice levels and ingredients, letting you create a personalized dish that suits your taste preferences without complicated techniques.

What You Need to Make Juicy Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide rich flavor and stay juicy during baking, choose fresh and high-quality meat for best results.

• Apricot Jam, Honey: Sweet base for sauce that creates caramelization and depth of flavor, look for high-quality preserves without artificial additives.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance sweet components, low-sodium version works well.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy complexity and helps emulsify sauce, smooth variety blends best.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps tenderize meat, raw and unfiltered type recommended.

• Onions, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that build foundational flavor, choose firm and fragrant varieties.
• Ground Ginger, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and subtle heat to complement sweet sauce, adjust according to spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning chicken and enhancing overall taste, kosher or sea salt recommended.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb for color and fresh finish, choose bright green leaves.

Apricot Chicken Thighs Cooking Steps Made Simple

Step 1: Craft The Tangy Sauce

• Gather these sauce ingredients
• Apricot jam
• Diced onions
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Ground ginger
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Pour all ingredients into a saucepan and warm over medium heat.

Stir occasionally until jam completely melts and sauce becomes smooth and fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare The Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

Trim any excess fat or loose skin.

Arrange chicken in a lightly greased baking dish.

Season chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Bath

Pour warm sauce generously over chicken thighs.

Ensure each piece is completely coated with sauce.

Use a spoon to distribute sauce evenly.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide baking dish into preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Remove dish and baste chicken with sauce from pan.

Return to oven and continue baking 20-25 minutes.

Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F and surface turns golden brown.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Remove chicken from oven.

Let rest 5 minutes to seal in juices.

Skim excess grease from sauce.

Drizzle remaining sauce around chicken.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for extra color and flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Smart Cooking Tips for Flavorful Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Choose Fresh Apricot Jam: Select high-quality, preservative-free apricot jam for a more robust and natural flavor profile in your sauce.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken thighs sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking to enhance deep, penetrating taste and tenderness.
• Monitor Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe consumption.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: If sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to create a smoother, more spreadable coating.
• Prevent Burning: Cover the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking if the chicken's surface starts browning too quickly, protecting it from excessive charring.

Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired apricot chicken thighs blend sweet and savory flavors for an extraordinary dinner experience. Juicy chicken meets tangy apricot glaze, creating a delightful meal that transports you to sunny coastal kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 6 chicken thighs

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar

Aromatic and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (40 grams) finely diced onions
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 milliliters) red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the vibrant apricot jam, finely diced onions, umami-rich soy sauce, golden honey, tangy Dijon mustard, bright apple cider vinegar, aromatic minced garlic, warm ground ginger, and optional fiery red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
2. Gently heat the sauce mixture over medium temperature, stirring intermittently until the jam dissolves and the sauce becomes glossy and well-integrated.
3. Preheat the oven to a moderate 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
4. Meticulously trim any excess fatty edges from the chicken thighs, ensuring a clean presentation.
5. Arrange the chicken thighs in a lightly greased baking dish, providing ample space between pieces for even cooking.
6. Season the chicken with a delicate sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
7. Lavishly cascade the prepared apricot sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the glossy mixture.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast uncovered for an initial 20-minute period.
9. After the first roasting phase, carefully baste the chicken thighs by spooning the aromatic sauce from the pan, redistributing the flavors.
10. Continue roasting for an additional 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness, with edges turning a delectable golden brown.
11. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and intensify the flavor profile.
12. Skim any excess grease from the remaining sauce, preserving its pure, rich essence.
13. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
14. Serve the chicken alongside the reserved sauce, creating a delightful dining experience.

Notes

• Sweet and tangy sauce brings incredible depth to juicy chicken thighs with a perfect balance of apricot jam, soy sauce, and honey.
• Quick and easy one-pan recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them for a milder flavor profile.
• Basting technique ensures chicken remains moist and develops a beautiful, caramelized exterior during baking.
• Versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal finish that cuts through the richness of the apricot sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 150mg