If you love the contrast of sweet and savory in your meals, Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs are about to become your new favorite. This dish takes the richness of boneless chicken thighs and bathes them in a tangy-sweet apricot glaze made with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The result is a glossy, sticky coating that caramelizes perfectly and fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re serving it over rice or tucked in wraps, this easy dinner recipe delivers flavor in every bite. It’s right up there with our Hot Honey Feta Chicken when it comes to flavor-packed poultry dinners.
Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs
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A Family-Favorite With a Fruity Twist
Hi there! I’m Lia, the heart and hands behind RecipesLia.com. Cooking has always been about connection for me, and this dish brings back memories of watching my mom pour jam into a saucepan with soy sauce and garlic—her secret sauce that made any meal special. I’ve taken that memory and made it my own with this Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs recipe.
The blend of apricot preserves with garlic and ginger creates a nostalgic yet modern flavor. The chicken crisps up beautifully in the pan, then bakes to juicy perfection under a thick glaze. Like our Jalapeño Peach Chicken, it’s all about layering bold sweetness with savory depth. Serve it over jasmine rice, tuck it into flatbreads, or enjoy it cold in lunch bowls—it’s that versatile.
Why Apricot is the Secret Star
Using apricot preserves in savory dishes may seem unexpected, but they bring the perfect balance of fruitiness and acidity to cut through the richness of chicken. As the glaze simmers and reduces, it becomes glossy and sticky, making every bite more flavorful than the last. Combined with soy sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic, it creates a deep, almost teriyaki-like flavor that clings to the chicken beautifully.
If you love sticky-sweet flavor profiles, this dish has the same addictive appeal as our Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos. You could even adapt this apricot glaze for drumsticks or salmon, as we do in our Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon for a sweet-savory seafood twist.
Easy Steps to Glaze Perfection
Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and pepper. A quick sear on each side locks in moisture and creates that golden edge. Meanwhile, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and minced garlic in a saucepan until the glaze bubbles and thickens. Spoon it over the seared chicken, then bake until the sauce caramelizes.
The method is as simple as our Glazed Apricot Chicken or even the one-pan approach from our Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan. Whether stovetop or oven-finished, the key is in the simmered glaze—it hugs every piece with flavor.
Meal Ideas & Make-Ahead Tips
You can serve Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs over fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even buttery mashed potatoes. Add roasted vegetables, a crisp cucumber salad, or steamed green beans on the side to balance the bold flavors. It also works great shredded into tacos or bowls like our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.
Planning ahead? This dish holds up beautifully for meal prep. It keeps for up to four days in the fridge, and the glaze thickens even more as it sits. You can even freeze portions, making it just as practical as our Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine when prepping weeknight meals.
Recipe Summary
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken in hot oil until browned, 3–4 minutes per side.
- Simmer apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey in a pan until thick.
- Pour glaze over chicken and bake for 20–25 minutes until sticky and cooked through.
- Garnish with green onions. Serve hot.
Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs: Sweet, Sticky, and Simply Irresistible
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky, sweet, and savory, these glazed apricot chicken thighs come together in just 30 minutes using pantry staples like apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup apricot preserves
2 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
3. In a saucepan, combine apricot preserves, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. Simmer until thickened.
4. Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish and pour glaze on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken thighs if preferred; just extend baking time by 10–15 minutes.
This dish pairs well with rice, roasted veggies, or couscous.
Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 702
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1591mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 222mg
FAQs About Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, just increase baking time by 10–15 minutes and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.
What can I use instead of apricot preserves?
Try peach jam, orange marmalade, or fig preserves. They offer a similar texture with subtle flavor differences.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
What goes well with apricot-glazed chicken?
Rice, couscous, or even a summery Cucumber Tomato Salad make great sides. Roasted carrots and sweet potatoes are also delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a no-fuss chicken dish that delivers big flavor, Glazed Apricot Chicken Thighs checks all the boxes. It’s easy, family-friendly, and filled with cozy, bright flavors that feel special without extra effort. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or serving guests, this dish brings comfort and creativity to your table. Try it once, and it might just become part of your regular rotation just like it did in my kitchen.
