Do you ever find yourself stuck in a dinner rut, always reaching for the same recipes? What if I told you that adding Apricot Chicken to your weeknight rotation could be a game changer? This tantalizing dish combines the sweet flavor of apricot preserves with savory chicken for a meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also sure to impress. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will take your culinary skills to the next level.
Ingredients Needed
To create your Apricot Chicken masterpiece, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing: This tangy dressing adds a unique flavor, balancing sweetness and acidity.
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (1.25 ounces): This pantry staple contributes a depth of flavor and seasoning to the dish.
- 1 & 1/2 cups apricot preserves: The star of the show! Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory elements.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a hint of spice that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds): Juicy and tender, these thighs absorb flavors incredibly well.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken to perfection.
Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, or use sugar-free apricot preserves for a healthier take.
Timing
This delightful recipe takes approximately 90 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. Remarkably, this is about 20% less time than many other baked chicken recipes without sacrificing flavor or quality. Here’s how the breakdown looks:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 90 minutes
How to Make Apricot Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13-inch glass baking dish by coating it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and red pepper flakes. Blend these ingredients well until smooth. Pour just enough of the sauce into the prepared baking dish to lightly coat the bottom; this will infuse flavor into the chicken as it bakes.
Step 3: Season and Arrange the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs on both sides with a pinch of coarse salt and pepper. Place them in the baking dish in a single layer. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, consider garnishing with scallions for a fresh touch. This dish pairs well over mashed potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables, creating a balanced and delicious dinner.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Apricot Chicken (which typically contains two chicken thighs) is packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per serving:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugar: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
These values can vary based on ingredient choices, so keep that in mind when preparing your dish!
Healthier Alternatives For Apricot Chicken
Looking to make this dish a bit healthier? Try these modifications:
- Swap out the Catalina dressing for a low-calorie version or a homemade vinaigrette for a lighter option.
- Use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs to reduce fat content.
- Substitute the apricot preserves with low-sugar alternatives or fresh apricot puree.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Apricot Chicken, let your creativity shine! Here are a few suggestions:
- Serve over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome grain component.
- Pair with a fresh salad of mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the dish.
- Consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for color and added nutrients.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
To ensure your Apricot Chicken turns out perfectly, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the chicken: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance the overall flavor of your dish.
- Not letting it rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.
Storing Tips For Apricot Chicken
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, use the oven for best results, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken juicy.
Conclusion
In summary, Apricot Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish that can elevate your dinner game in just a short amount of time. With its delightful sweetness and savory notes, your family and friends will be coming back for seconds. Feel free to try the recipe, share your experiences, and explore other recipes on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apricots instead of preserves?
Absolutely! However, fresh apricots may require additional sweetening to achieve the desired flavor.
What can I serve with Apricot Chicken?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh garden salad.
How long will the cooked chicken last in the refrigerator?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or seitan, adjusting the cooking times as necessary.
Try out this Apricot Chicken recipe and let’s transform your dinner routine today!
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Apricot Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A tantalizing dish that combines the sweet flavor of apricot preserves with savory chicken, perfect for elevating your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (1.25 ounces)
- 1 and 1/2 cups apricot preserves
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine Catalina dressing, onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour enough sauce into the baking dish to coat the bottom.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Garnish with scallions and serve, pairing with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
For a healthier alternative, try substituting the Catalina dressing with a low-calorie version and using skinless chicken breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 thighs
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, apricot, dinner, savory, sweet