Spiced Apricot Chicken
Spiced Apricot Chicken
Spiced Apricot Chicken is a Middle Eastern recipe categorized as dinner, main course, with 20 min of prep, 50 min of cooking, and 1 hr 10 min total. It yields 4 servings.
Spiced Apricot Chicken combines boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh apricots, low-sodium chicken broth, and yellow onion using baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 441 kcal |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 806 mg |
Ingredients
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (900g)
- 1 lb fresh apricots, pitted and halved (450g)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 225g)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (240mL)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15mL)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (2g)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (2g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2g)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (13g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (6g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15mL)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g)
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted (70g)
Utensils
- Large skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Large baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Serving platter
- Tongs
- Ladle
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with the ground cinnamon, ground cumin, ground ginger, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, then transfer it to a plate.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the brown sugar for 30 seconds, then pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits.
- Add the fresh apricots and lemon juice and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken and its juices to the skillet, cover tightly with a lid or foil, and transfer it to the oven.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the thickest chicken thigh reaches 165°F (74°C) and the apricots soften into the sauce.
- Uncover and bake for 5 minutes more if the sauce needs to reduce.
- Finish the Spiced Apricot Chicken with the parsley and toasted slivered almonds and serve warm.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Replace the 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon with one 3-inch cinnamon stick; add it with the broth and remove it before serving.
- Replace the 1 pound fresh apricots with 1 cup dried apricots and increase the chicken broth by 1/2 cup.
- For measured heat, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne with the cumin, ginger, and paprika.
These playful options keep the meal whimsical while letting every bite sing with bright, layered flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Within two hours of cooking, divide leftover Spiced Apricot Chicken into shallow portions and refrigerate them in an airtight container at 40°F (4°C) or below. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days; freeze sooner if they will not be used in that window.
Reheating
Reheat Spiced Apricot Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low to medium-low heat with a small splash of broth or water to retain moisture and flavor. Turn or stir as needed for even heating and verify that the center reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Practical Cooking Notes
chef's knife, cutting board, measuring tools, large oven-safe skillet with lid or foil, tongs, instant-read thermometer.
Check the thickest piece with an instant-read thermometer; poultry is ready at 165°F (74°C).
Helpful Recipe Tips & FAQs
Can I use dried apricots instead of fresh?
Yes. Replace the 1 pound fresh apricots with 1 cup dried apricots, halved. Add an extra 1/2 cup chicken broth so the dried fruit can plump while the chicken braises.
Can I replace ground cinnamon with a cinnamon stick?
Yes. Replace the listed 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon with one 3-inch cinnamon stick. Add it with the chicken broth and remove it before adding the parsley and toasted almonds.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the listed cumin, ginger, and paprika when seasoning the chicken. This adds measured heat without masking the apricot and cinnamon; do not substitute smoky chipotle if you want to preserve the recipe's profile.
What should I serve with Spiced Apricot Chicken?
Couscous, rice pilaf, or creamy polenta will absorb the apricot sauce. A lemon-dressed green salad adds contrast, while the listed toasted almonds already provide the intended crunch.