Imagine a dinner that transforms an ordinary chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients. This Apricot Glazed Chicken recipe is your ticket to a meal that's simultaneously sweet, tangy, and perfectly golden-brown. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this dish promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Apricot preserves
- Mustard
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together apricot preserves and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined, creating a vibrant glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and immediately brush the cooked side with the prepared apricot-mustard glaze.
- Continue cooking the second side for an additional 6-7 minutes, periodically brushing with more glaze.
- Verify the chicken's internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional glaze before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken every time - 165°F is your magic number.
- Don't rush the glazing process; layer the apricot-mustard glaze gradually for a rich, caramelized finish.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and keep the meat tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to your seasoning mix.
- Choose a high-quality apricot preserve with chunks of fruit for added texture and depth of flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, mix the apricot preserves with a splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the glaze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 405kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 52g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 140mg
