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Easy “Sweet & Sticky Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs” – One-Pan Apricot Flavor Dinner
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Apricot Flavor
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
This Sweet & Sticky Apricot-Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe combines savory chicken thighs with a glossy, sweet apricot jam glaze for a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy. Everything’s made in one pan, reducing the cleanup while building maximum flavor. The jam-based glaze caramelizes beautifully, coating the chicken in tangy-sweet notes that pair wonderfully with simple sides—perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
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1 lb (approx. 4) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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½ cup apricot preserves (jam)
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2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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1–2 tablespoons butter
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Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Directions
Season and sear the chicken – Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
Make the apricot glaze – Meanwhile, whisk together apricot preserves, soy sauce, garlic, and ground ginger in a bowl until smooth.
Glaze the chicken – Pour the apricot mixture over the browned chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, turning chicken occasionally until fully cooked and the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze—about 10–12 minutes.
Finish with butter (optional) – Stir in butter until melted for an extra glossy finish and richer mouthfeel.
Garnish & serve – Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, ideally over rice or alongside steamed vegetables to soak up the luscious apricot sauce.
Recipe Note
10 FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster and require careful attention to avoid overcooking.
Can I substitute apricot jam with preserves?
Absolutely—preserves work great and add extra fruity texture to the glaze.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) to make this dish gluten-free.
Can I reduce sugar?
You can try using less preserves or a low-sugar apricot jam, but sweetness is key to the glaze and balance.
How to make it dairy-free?
Omit the optional butter or replace with dairy-free spread; the glaze is flavorful without it.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead?
Yes—make the glaze up to a day in advance and reheat before adding to cooked chicken.
What sides pair well with this?
Serve with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to complement the sweet-savory flavors.
Can I add heat to the glaze?
Yes—a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha adds a nice kick.
How to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the glossy glaze.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use a larger skillet or finish in the oven if needed. Make sure chicken is not overcrowded for proper browning.