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!
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!