Description
A sweet and savory dish featuring tender chicken coated in a glossy apricot glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 3–4 pieces)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richer glaze)
- 3/4 cup apricot preserves (preferably chunky for texture)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry to thicken)
- 1–2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- Freshly chopped parsley or sliced green onions, for garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds (optional crunch)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. If the pieces are thick, slice them horizontally or pound lightly to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden-brown.
- Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon glaze over each piece, and simmer gently for 4–6 minutes until heated through.
- Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a caramelized glaze, or increase stovetop heat briefly.
- Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil if using, and sprinkle with parsley or green onions and optional crunch toppings.
Notes
Pair with rice, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Use low-sodium ingredients for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg