Apricot Baked Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Apricot Baked Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a sweet and savory apricot glaze. It’s a simple, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or when you want something a little special without much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 – 3 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Step 2: Place the apricot preserves in a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 10 seconds to loosen them. Stir in the chopped thyme.
- Step 3: Spread the apricot mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the foil, baste the chicken with the juices and glaze from the bottom of the pan, then bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and the top is golden brown, with the glaze slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Serve the chicken with the pan glaze spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh thyme for the best flavor, or substitute with dried thyme if needed—use about 1/3 teaspoon dried instead.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
- Serve this dish with rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the glaze moist and delicious.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and will be juicier. Adjust baking time as needed, since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What can I use if I don’t have apricot preserves?
You can substitute with peach or raspberry preserves for a different but still tasty flavor. Just keep the quantity the same.
PrintApricot Baked Chicken Recipe
This Apricot Baked Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts baked with a sweet and flavorful apricot preserves glaze infused with fresh thyme. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion when you want a delicious, juicy chicken with a golden, caramelized topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 65-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 – 3 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Apricot Glaze
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Arrange Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly arrange the chicken breasts in a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
- Prepare Apricot Glaze: Place the apricot preserves into a small, microwave-safe bowl and microwave for about 10 seconds to slightly warm and loosen the preserves. Stir in the chopped fresh thyme until well combined.
- Apply Glaze and Bake Covered: Evenly spread the apricot preserves mixture over the tops of the chicken breasts. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Baste and Continue Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully, baste the chicken with the juices and glaze accumulating at the bottom of the pan, then bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize, the top to turn golden brown, and the glaze to reduce slightly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken breasts with the remaining glaze spooned over the top for maximum flavor. Enjoy your sweet and savory apricot baked chicken!
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in seasoned salt for 30 minutes before baking.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable; use about 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Make sure to baste the chicken during the uncovered baking phase to keep it moist and enhance caramelization.
- You can use other fruit preserves like peach or orange for a different flavor profile.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Apricot baked chicken, baked chicken breasts, apricot preserves chicken, easy chicken recipe, thyme chicken glaze
