Looking for a dinner that balances sweet, tangy, and savory in one quick skillet? This Quick Apricot Chicken recipe is the answer. Packed with flavor from juicy apricot preserves, a splash of orange juice, and a kick of BBQ sauce, this dish transforms simple chicken breast into a sensational weeknight meal. Whether you’re short on time or just craving something unique, this recipe brings bold flavor with minimal fuss. In this article, we’ll walk you through the story behind this dish, how to make it in under 30 minutes, serve it right, and switch things up when you’re feeling adventurous.
Quick Apricot Chicken
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro: A Sweet Spot in My Kitchen
From My Kitchen to Yours: How Apricot Chicken Became a Go-To
I remember the first time I made apricot chicken—it was one of those midweek nights when I had zero energy left but still wanted something comforting. I had a half-used jar of apricot jam in the fridge and leftover BBQ sauce from a weekend cookout. I thought, “What if I throw this together?” That sweet, sticky sauce clung to the pan-seared chicken like magic. It tasted like something you’d find at a cozy bistro but made right at home in under 30 minutes.
Since then, this quick apricot chicken has become one of my secret weapons for weeknight dinners. It’s one of those recipes you can rely on when you’re craving something vibrant and a little out of the ordinary, yet still grounded in simplicity.
Whenever I serve this dish alongside a fresh cucumber-tomato salad like the one from my Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe, it feels like a complete, satisfying meal. And if you’re in the mood to go all in on summer vibes, serve it with this refreshing Pineapple Cucumber Salad—trust me, the sweet-and-sour play is unbeatable.
Why You’ll Crave It Again and Again
The real beauty of this dish is that it hits so many flavor notes. The apricot preserves bring a gentle sweetness, orange juice brightens the sauce, BBQ sauce adds depth, and soy sauce grounds everything with umami. You can even use glazed apricot chicken recipes like this one as inspiration for tweaking heat levels or experimenting with spice.
It’s a meal that feels indulgent, but it’s made with pantry basics. And if you’re meal prepping, it stores and reheats like a dream. Pair it with jasmine rice, or even a side of Hot Honey Feta Chicken for a double protein twist.
How to Make Quick Apricot Chicken in Just 30 Minutes
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
You don’t need a mile-long grocery list to make something delicious. That’s one of the things I love about this quick apricot chicken—almost everything is a pantry staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil)
- 1 lb diced chicken breast
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ cup orange juice (or more for thinner sauce)
- 1 cup apricot preserves or jam
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
Optional: sesame seeds, scallions, and rice for serving
The combination of sweet jam and tangy BBQ sauce is a total game changer—think Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, but faster and saucier.
Cooking Steps: Fast and Fuss-Free
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and cook 5–7 mins until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook another minute.
- Stir in orange juice, apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Simmer for 5–6 mins.
- Return chicken, toss to coat in glaze, and simmer for 3 mins more.
This dish also pairs beautifully with salads like Blackberry Basil Grilled Chicken Salad, creating an ultra-flavorful plate.
Serving Ideas for Quick Apricot Chicken That Feel Restaurant-Worthy
Best Pairings for a Balanced Plate
Rice is the classic companion here, but this chicken also shines next to quinoa, couscous, or even garlic mashed potatoes. For a vibrant side, pair it with something like Black Bean and Corn Pasta Salad or a crisp, zesty green salad.
Roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts offer a contrast in texture and tone down the sweetness. Another delicious option? A chilled Caprese Pasta Salad for a bite that’s both refreshing and colorful.
How to Plate It Like a Pro
Spoon rice or salad on your plate, top it with the glistening chicken, and drizzle extra sauce on top. Finish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds. For a fancy touch, use a shallow bowl and garnish with a citrus wedge.
If you’re meal-prepping, pair it with hearty sides like Creamy Pasta Salad or oven-roasted potatoes for an easy reheat-and-eat option.
Creative Twists on Quick Apricot Chicken
Make It Your Own: Easy Substitutions and Add-Ins
Try chicken thighs instead of breast for richer flavor, or swap in shrimp for a seafood spin. Don’t have apricot jam? Use peach or mango preserves—just like the fruity twist in Jalapeño Peach Chicken.
Add a little heat with sriracha or chili flakes. Or deepen the flavor with Worcestershire sauce or apple cider vinegar. You can even repurpose the sauce for pork chops or grilled salmon.
Make It Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, or Vegan-Friendly
For low-carb, serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For a plant-based twist, pan-sear tofu and toss it in the same apricot glaze.
Try serving it over a base like Mediterranean Lemon Dill Chicken Bowls—minus the meat—for a vibrant vegan plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes well with apricot chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh salads like Pineapple Cucumber Salad.
Can I use apricot preserves instead of fresh apricots?
Yes, and they’re preferred in this dish for bold, sticky flavor. Use peach preserves if needed.
Quick Apricot Chicken – A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Favorite
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A 30-minute sweet and savory apricot chicken recipe made with pantry staples like jam, BBQ sauce, and soy sauce. Quick, flavorful, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 lb diced chicken breast
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/3 cup orange juice
1 cup apricot jam or preserves
2 tbsp BBQ sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
Optional: scallions, sesame seeds, cooked rice
Instructions
1. Heat oil in a skillet and cook chicken for 5–7 mins until golden. Remove from pan.
2. Sauté onion in the same pan. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Add orange juice, apricot jam, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, and honey. Stir and simmer 5 mins.
4. Return chicken to the pan. Coat in sauce and simmer 3 mins.
5. Serve with rice, garnished with scallions and sesame.
Notes
Use peach or mango preserves if apricot is unavailable.
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Substitute tamari for gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 226
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 727mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 72mg
How do you thicken apricot chicken sauce?
Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes or use a cornstarch slurry for a thicker glaze.
Is apricot chicken sweet or savory?
It’s a balanced mix of both—sweet from jam and honey, savory from BBQ and soy sauce, like Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
Conclusion
Quick Apricot Chicken hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, sticky, and satisfying. It’s fast enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to impress anyone at your table. With pantry-friendly ingredients and room for creativity, this dish might just become your new go-to.
