apricot chicken thigh
If you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like something you’d get at a cozy bistro, this Easy Apricot-Glazed Chicken is it. Juicy chicken thighs with golden crispy skin, drenched in a sticky-sweet, garlicky glaze—what’s not to love?
This dish strikes that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of tang from the vinegar and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. It’s made in just one pan, uses simple pantry staples, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Honestly, it’s kind of magic.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Apricot-Glazed Chicken
- Fast and fuss-free: Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
- One-pan wonder: Everything happens in the same skillet.
- Incredible flavor: Sweet apricot + savory garlic + zingy ginger = chef’s kiss.
- Perfect over rice: The glaze turns into a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
You might already have everything in your kitchen:
- 3/4 cup apricot preserves – This is the star of the show!
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar – Adds a nice tang.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari – Tamari for gluten-free.
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated – Brings that warm, spicy note.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Always.
- Pinch of red pepper flakes – Just enough heat.
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – Juicy and flavorful.
- Kosher salt + freshly ground pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil – For crisping the skin.
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro – Optional but recommended.
- Cooked rice – For serving and soaking up the sauce.
👩🍳 How to Make Apricot-Glazed Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat to 350°F and place a rack in the middle of your oven.
Step 2: Make the glaze
In a bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, rice vinegar, soy or tamari, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set it aside while you cook the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry (this helps them brown) and season with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron), heat the olive oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add the chicken skin-side down and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Step 4: Add the glaze and roast
Flip the chicken over and pour the glaze evenly over the top. Transfer the whole skillet to the oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Halfway through, spoon some of the glaze from the pan back over the chicken to build more flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve over steamed rice with lots of that saucy glaze spooned over the top. Trust me—you’ll want every drop.
🔁 Make It Your Own
- No apricot preserves? Try peach or orange marmalade for a different twist.
- No cast iron skillet? Brown the chicken in any pan, then transfer to a baking dish to finish.
- Low sugar? Use a reduced-sugar fruit spread.
- Add veggies: Roast some green beans or carrots in the oven at the same time.
🍴 What to Serve With It
This chicken is great with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Stir-fried greens
- Noodles or couscous
Or just keep it simple with rice and a spoon.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat for a quick meal.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Easy Apricot-Glazed Chicken is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, minimal mess, and totally satisfying. It’s got the kind of saucy, savory-sweet flavor that feels a little special, even though it’s made with weeknight ingredients.
So go ahead—grab that jar of apricot preserves and turn a pack of chicken thighs into something amazing.
