Tasty chicken apricots

This chicken with apricots combines a tasty mix of fruity sweetness and savory flavors, great for a weeknight meal or special occasion.

I've been making this dish since my grandma taught me fifteen years ago. Whenever I serve it, my kids clean their plates without leaving a crumb, which is pretty unusual in my house.

Ingredients

• Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts: pick pieces that are the same size so they cook evenly
• One tablespoon olive oil: go for good quality oil for better taste
• Salt and pepper to taste: freshly ground pepper works best for flavor
• One teaspoon ground cumin: adds an earthy touch that goes really well with apricots

• One cup apricot jam or compote: try to get one that's not too sweet for better flavor balance
• Half cup chicken broth: homemade if you can for extra flavor
• One tablespoon lemon juice: fresh lemons work best for brighter tanginess
• One teaspoon dried thyme: fresh herbs work too if you have them
• One tablespoon Dijon mustard: adds depth and helps thicken the sauce
• One tablespoon olive oil: gives the sauce some body

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over both sides of the chicken breasts. Add the ground cumin and gently rub it into the meat. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the flavors stick well.

Cook the chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a big pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Carefully put the chicken breasts in the pan without crowding them and let them cook untouched for 5 to 7 minutes. Only flip them when they're nicely browned. Cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Check by poking a thermometer in the center - it should read 75°C.

Make the apricot sauce:

In the same pan with all those tasty chicken bits, add the apricot jam, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme and Dijon mustard. Mix well while scraping the bottom of the pan to get all those caramelized bits. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then until it thickens a bit and the flavors blend together.

Finish the dish:

Put the chicken breasts back in the pan with the bubbling sauce. Spoon plenty of sauce over each piece and let it simmer on low heat for 5 more minutes. Turn the chicken once or twice so it soaks up the sauce but be careful not to overcook it.

Must-Know Tips

Dijon mustard is my favorite secret ingredient in this recipe. It brings a slight kick that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apricots. The first time I added this ingredient, my husband immediately noticed the dish had gained more complexity and character.

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Storage and Leftovers

This apricot chicken keeps well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. To warm it up, use a pan on low heat with a splash of broth so it doesn't dry out. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, but know that the chicken texture might change a bit when thawed. I suggest thawing it slowly in the fridge for best results.

Possible Variations

You can easily change this recipe based on what you like or have on hand. Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat. If you don't have apricot jam, try peach jam or even bitter orange for a different but equally tasty twist. For a spicier version, throw in some crushed red pepper or a teaspoon of harissa.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this apricot chicken with couscous or pilaf rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. A crisp green salad with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing goes really well with it. For a fancier meal, add some toasted sliced almonds and a few sprigs of fresh mint. In winter, I often serve it with roasted root veggies like carrots and parsnips.

Pro Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken for another meat?

Yes, you can use turkey fillet or even pork for an equally delicious version.

→ What goes well with this dish?

This chicken with apricots works great with rice, steamed veggies, or mashed potatoes on the side.

→ Can I use fresh apricots instead of jam?

Sure, you can use fresh apricots by cooking them gently beforehand to soften. Add a little sugar or honey to balance the flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers of this dish?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

→ Can this meal be prepped beforehand?

Yes! The sauce can be made in advance, and you can cook the chicken right before serving. Combine and heat it all for the best result.