You’ve pulled into the driveway, opened the fridge, and asked yourself: What’s for dinner tonight? When the clock’s ticking and the family’s hungry, you need something tasty, reliable and quick.
That’s why this apricot chicken recipe is a game‑changer. It gives you that sweet‑and‑savoury comfort dish without hours in the kitchen. In addition, using premium quality ingredients like our Gingin grass‑fed free range chicken ensures you get flavour and peace of mind about what’s on the plate.
So let’s jump in, prove that quick dinners can still be delicious, and get cooking.
Why This Apricot Chicken Recipe Works
This apricot chicken recipe stands out because it hits three key marks: speed, flavour and quality. You’ll get dinner in under 30 minutes, a sauce that balances sweet apricot with savoury depth, and the assurance of top‑tier chicken.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by bland weeknight dinners or too many steps, this recipe changes that. It solves the “quick but tasty” problem, because you can rely on it when you’ve got less time but don’t want to compromise flavour.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients List
To make this simple apricot chicken recipe shine, gather the following:
For the chicken:
- 500 g boneless, skinless free-range chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly‑ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (for warm colour)
For the apricot sauce:
- ½ cup apricot preserves (or apricot jam)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for umami)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a little bite)
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (to balance)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional, for extra flavour)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to brighten)
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make the Apricot Chicken Recipe at Home
Follow these steps, and you’ll have this recipe on your table quickly and easily.
1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting the Gingin grass‑fed free range chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper and paprika. Drizzle the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium‑high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 3‑4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it through at this stage. It will finish in the sauce.
2. Prepare the Apricot Sauce
While the chicken sears, mix the apricot preserves, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, honey (or brown sugar), garlic, ginger and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. This sauce blend will carry all the flavour for the dish.
3. Combine and Simmer
Once the chicken is nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium. Pour the apricot sauce over the chicken pieces, turning them to coat. Cover the skillet and simmer for 8‑10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of about 75°C) and the sauce is thickened and glossy.
4. Finish and Serve
Remove the lid, let the sauce reduce for another minute if needed, then turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Quick Dinner Tips for Busy Weeknights
When time is tight but you want a great meal, these tips can help:
- Pre‑slice your chicken the night before and keep it chilled.
- Use preserves rather than fresh apricots if you need a faster sauce.
- Cook greens or rice while the sauce simmers, and you’ll save time.
- Clean as you go: use the same skillet for sauce and chicken to minimise washing up.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Want to tweak the recipe? Here are some ideas:
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
- Herb‑infused: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an herby aroma.
- One‑pan roasted version: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, toss with chopped apricots and onions, and roast the lot in a baking dish (see sheet‑pan ideas).
- Lower‑carb option: Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini ribbons.
- Sauce change‑up: Replace half the apricot preserves with peach jam for a slightly different twist.
Final Thoughts
At Gingin Beef, we believe that delicious meals start with great ingredients. This simple apricot chicken recipe shows you just how easy it is to create something special without the fuss.
By choosing from our full range of chicken cuts, you’re giving your meal a flavour boost and making a smart choice for your health and the environment.
Ready to get cooking? Try this apricot chicken recipe tonight, then explore more meal ideas for the week ahead.
To learn more or place your order, give us a call on (08) 6186 5450.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this apricot chicken recipe suitable for family meals?
Yes, this apricot chicken recipe is friendly for all ages because the flavour is sweet-savoury rather than overly spicy. You can adjust seasonings to suit kids or adults.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and are perfect for this recipe. You may need to cook them for a few extra minutes.
3. What if I don’t have apricot preserves?
You can use apricot jam or fresh apricots cooked down. Some recipes even leverage dried apricots for texture.
4. How long can leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the sauce from separating.
5. Can I upgrade the flavour further?
Yes, adding fresh herbs (like parsley, thyme), lemon zest, or even a splash of white wine to the sauce can add depth without complicating the cooking process.