Apricot Balsamic Chicken

Every time I make Apricot Balsamic Chicken, I feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. This dish reminds me of warm family gatherings where the aroma of sweet and tangy flavors filled the air. It all started when I stumbled upon a quaint little recipe card tucked away in my grandmother’s old cookbook. The combination of chicken with apricot jam and balsamic vinegar intrigued me. I decided to give it a try, and from that moment on, it became a staple in my kitchen. I love how this dish brings joy to the table, turning an ordinary day into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Apricot Balsamic Chicken is sure to impress.

Apricot Balsamic Chicken Ingredients

The ingredients for Apricot Balsamic Chicken come together harmoniously, creating a dish that’s not just tasty but also easy to prepare. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. The key players include chicken, which is complemented by the sweet and tangy sauce made from apricot jam and balsamic vinegar. Together, they make a delightful meal that you and your family will love.

• 1 teaspoon vegetable or canola oil: This oil is used to sauté the onions and chicken, providing a nice base for the dish.
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped: The onion adds a sweet depth of flavor as it cooks down.
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme: This herb enhances the flavor profile, adding a hint of earthiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish.
• 16 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (4 cutlets): The star of the dish, providing a lean source of protein.
• ⅓ cup all fruit or reduced-sugar apricot jam: This is the key ingredient that brings the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: The vinegar adds acidity to balance the sweetness of the jam.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: This adds a touch of spice to round out the flavors.

Apricot Balsamic Chicken Instructions

Cooking Apricot Balsamic Chicken is a straightforward process, and I love how quickly it comes together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time!

1. Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Wait until it’s hot, but be careful not to let it smoke. You want to ensure that the oil is hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it for about five minutes. The goal here is to soften the onion and allow its natural sweetness to develop, which adds depth to the dish.
3. While the onion is cooking, sprinkle the minced thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt over the chicken. This step ensures that the chicken is well-seasoned from the inside out.
4. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet with the sautéed onion. Sauté the chicken for about six minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden brown crust, and the internal temperature should reach about 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm on a plate. Cover it with foil to maintain its heat while you prepare the sauce.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, apricot jam, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly until the jam melts and the sauce is well combined. You should see a nice glossy texture.
7. Finally, return the cooked chicken back to the pan, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors before serving.
8. Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!

Recipe Tips about Apricot Balsamic Chicken

When cooking Apricot Balsamic Chicken, having a few tips in your back pocket can elevate your dish to new heights. Here are some valuable insights to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

• Storage: To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Serving Temperature: Always serve Apricot Balsamic Chicken warm for the best flavor experience. Reheating gently helps maintain the sauce’s consistency.
• Variations: Try adding different fruits like peach or mango for a unique twist on the dish. Each fruit will lend its own exciting flavor profile!

Side Dish Ideas for Apricot Balsamic Chicken

When it comes to serving Apricot Balsamic Chicken, the right side dishes can really elevate the meal and enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic are the perfect canvas for the sweet and tangy sauce of Apricot Balsamic Chicken.
• Steamed Broccoli: A side of vibrant steamed broccoli not only adds color to your plate but also balances the rich flavors of the dish.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully.
• Rice Pilaf: Serve Apricot Balsamic Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the delightful sauce and add texture.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini brings a wonderful earthy flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Don’t forget a side of warm, buttery garlic bread for dipping into that delicious sauce!
• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light dressing provides a refreshing contrast and balances the richness of the dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

Apricot Balsamic Chicken is truly a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see how it can transform your meal time into something extraordinary. Trust me, once you experience the joy of this dish, you won’t want to keep it a secret!

Apricot Balsamic Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Apricot Balsamic Chicken combines the sweetness of apricot jam with tangy balsamic vinegar for a surprisingly easy weeknight dinner. It's a flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 teaspoon vegetable or canola oil
• ½ medium red onion, finely chopped
• 1½ teaspoons minced fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 16 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (4 cutlets)
• ⅓ cup all fruit or reduced-sugar apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Wait until it’s hot, but be careful not to let it smoke. You want to ensure that the oil is hot enough to give the chicken a nice sear.
• Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté it for about five minutes. The goal here is to soften the onion and allow its natural sweetness to develop, which adds depth to the dish.
• While the onion is cooking, sprinkle the minced thyme and ¼ teaspoon salt over the chicken. This step ensures that the chicken is well-seasoned from the inside out.
• Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet with the sautéed onion. Sauté the chicken for about six minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden brown crust, and the internal temperature should reach about 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm on a plate. Cover it with foil to maintain its heat while you prepare the sauce.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, apricot jam, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly until the jam melts and the sauce is well combined. You should see a nice glossy texture.
• Finally, return the cooked chicken back to the pan, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors before serving.
• Serve immediately, drizzling extra sauce over the chicken if desired. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!

Notes

To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days.

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.

Always serve Apricot Balsamic Chicken warm for the best flavor experience. Reheating gently helps maintain the sauce's consistency.

Try adding different fruits like peach or mango for a unique twist on the dish. Each fruit will lend its own exciting flavor profile!

Keyword Apricot Balsamic Chicken recipe, dinner recipes with apricot, easy chicken dishes, quick family meals

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Meet Hanna Hart

I am obsessed with the “how” and “why” of cooking. It doesn’t matter if we are roasting a chicken or baking brownies; I am the one double-checking our measurements and cooking times. I love working on every type of cuisine and finding the absolute best method to get the results we want. I treat every recipe with the same level of care and dedication.