Welcome to the world of unique flavors with this one-pot apricot chicken recipe. This dish offers a harmonious blend of savory chicken and sweet apricot, making it a delight for the taste buds. The succulent chicken thighs are cooked in a single pot with a flavorful blend of ingredients, eliminating the hassle of cleaning multiple pans. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novices and experts.
Photos of One Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe
Most ingredients in this recipe are common and easy to find in any supermarket. However, apricot preserves might not be a regular staple in your pantry. They can be found in the canned fruits section of your supermarket. Look for a good quality preserve to ensure a rich and sweet flavor. Dry onion soup mix is another ingredient you might need to pick up. It's typically located in the soup aisle.
Ingredients for One-Pot Apricot Chicken
Chicken thighs: The star ingredient of this dish, chicken thighs are juicy, flavorful and perfect for baking.
Kosher salt: Used to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Coarse ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick to the dish, balancing the sweetness of the preserves.
Dry onion soup mix: This gives a savory depth to the sauce.
French dressing: This tangy, slightly sweet dressing adds complexity to the dish.
Apricot preserves: Provides the sweet and fruity element in the dish, making it unique and delicious.
Fresh thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthy flavor, complementing the other ingredients.
One reader, Ginnie Moss says:
This one-pot apricot chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of French dressing and apricot preserves creates a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The flavors are out of this world, and the best part is, it's so easy to make. A definite must-try!
Key Techniques for Mastering One-Pot Apricot Chicken
How to brown the chicken: Heat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat and brown both sides of the seasoned chicken thighs for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
How to make the sauce: In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the dry onion soup mix, French dressing, apricot preserves, and fresh thyme to create the flavorful sauce for the chicken.
How to finish cooking in the oven: After browning the chicken, pour half of the sauce over the chicken and cook in the preheated oven at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. Then, pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
How To Make One Pot Apricot Chicken
With just one pot and a few ingredients, you can whip up a fruity and tender apricot chicken, glazed in a rich and thick French dressing sauce!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 6chicken thighs,bone in and skin on
- ½tspkosher salt
- ¼tspcoarse ground black pepper
- 1pktdry onion soup mix
- 1cupFrench dressing
- 1cupapricot preserves
- 1tbspfresh thyme,chopped
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and set a cast iron skillet to heat on medium high heat.
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the cast iron skillet, skin side down. Brown both sides of the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes.
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In a bowl or large measuring cup, add the onion soup mix, French dressing, apricot preserves, and thyme, then whisk them together.
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Pour half of the mixture over the chicken, then put the pan in the oven and cook for 25 minutes.
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Pour the rest over the chicken, then cook an additional 5 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 834.10kcal
- Fat: 58.72g
- Saturated Fat: 13.60g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 21.26g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 19.22g
- Carbohydrates: 43.92g
- Fiber: 0.63g
- Sugar: 23.38g
- Protein: 34.23g
- Cholesterol: 198.27mg
- Sodium: 868.29mg
- Calcium: 35.20mg
- Potassium: 485.04mg
- Iron: 2.03mg
- Vitamin A: 61.22µg
- Vitamin C: 5.55mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your One-Pot Apricot Chicken
When browning your chicken thighs, ensure the skin side is down first. This allows the fat under the skin to render out, crisping up the skin and adding extra flavor to the dish. Also, resist the urge to move the chicken around while it's browning. Letting it sit undisturbed will give it a nice, even color. Remember, a good sear contributes to the overall flavor of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup by cooking everything in a single pot or pan.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of food and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals later.
Organize your kitchen: Keep ingredients and utensils within reach to minimize time spent searching for items during cooking.
Follow the recipe: Read the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Substitute Ingredients For One Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken drumsticks: Chicken drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs in this recipe, as they have a similar flavor and texture, and will work well with the other ingredients.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, as it provides a similar level of salinity and will dissolve easily into the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with ground white pepper: Ground white pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a slightly different flavor profile while still adding the desired level of heat to the dish.
dry onion soup mix - Substitute with homemade onion soup mix: A homemade onion soup mix can be used as a substitute for the dry onion soup mix, providing a fresher and more customizable flavor profile.
french dressing - Substitute with honey mustard dressing: Honey mustard dressing can be used as a substitute for French dressing, adding a slightly different flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
apricot preserves - Substitute with peach preserves: Peach preserves can be used as a substitute for apricot preserves, providing a similar fruity sweetness to the dish.
fresh thyme - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme, providing a similar earthy and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning One-Pot Meal
Elevate the plating: As a culinary professional, presentation is key. Ensure that the chicken thighs are arranged neatly on the plate, with the apricot glaze drizzled artfully over the top to create an enticing visual appeal.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the overall presentation.
Choose the right serving dish: Opt for a sophisticated and elegant serving dish that complements the vibrant colors of the apricot chicken, enhancing the overall visual impact of the dish.
Balance the elements: Pay attention to the balance of colors and textures on the plate. Consider adding a side of vibrant green vegetables or a colorful salad to create a visually appealing and well-rounded presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate, ensuring that every element is meticulously arranged to showcase the dish's exquisite flavors and textures.
Highlight the glaze: Use a brush to delicately glaze the chicken thighs with the apricot mixture just before serving, adding a glossy sheen that captures the attention of the judges and elevates the overall presentation.
Emphasize elegance: Incorporate subtle touches of elegance, such as edible flowers or microgreens, to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation of the apricot chicken dish.
Consider the overall composition: Take a step back and evaluate the overall composition of the plate, ensuring that it exudes a sense of artistry and culinary finesse that is befitting of a Michelin-starred presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making One-Pot Apricot Chicken
- Cast iron skillet: A heavy-duty pan that provides even heat distribution and is perfect for searing and browning meats.
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent and controlled heat for cooking.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending ingredients together, such as mixing the onion soup mix, french dressing, apricot preserves, and thyme.
- Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring and pouring liquids and sauces into the recipe.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the chicken thighs while browning them in the skillet.
- Knife: Necessary for prepping the ingredients, such as trimming excess fat from the chicken thighs or chopping fresh thyme.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the ingredients for the apricot glaze before pouring it over the chicken.
- Baking dish: Used to transfer the skillet-cooked chicken into the oven for baking.
Proper Storage and Freezing Guidelines for One-Pot Apricot Chicken
- Allow the one-pot apricot chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- The frozen one-pot apricot chicken will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed chicken and sauce in a covered pot or skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
- If the sauce appears too thick after thawing and reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Serve the reheated one-pot apricot chicken hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy your delicious, hassle-free meal!
The Best Methods for Reheating Apricot Chicken Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover one-pot apricot chicken is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist while reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to check the chicken every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
If you want to reheat the apricot sauce separately, you can do so on the stovetop. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. You can then pour the heated sauce over the reheated chicken.
For a quick and easy option, you can also reheat the one-pot apricot chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the skillet to prevent the chicken from sticking and to keep it moist. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat the leftover chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
Fascinating Trivia About Apricot Chicken
Apricot chicken is a popular dish in Australia, where it is often served with rice or couscous.
Budget-Friendly One-Pot Cooking: Is Apricot Chicken a Smart Choice?
This apricot chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time. The combination of chicken thighs, apricot preserves, and french dressing creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it an affordable option for a delicious meal. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, affordability, and delightful taste.
Is This Apricot Chicken Recipe Healthy?
The one-pot apricot chicken recipe, while flavorful, may not be the healthiest choice due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for french dressing, which is often high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
- Apricot preserves add additional sugar to the dish.
- The dry onion soup mix may contain high levels of sodium.
- Chicken thighs are higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast.
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements, such as fresh thyme, which adds flavor without extra calories or sodium.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the french dressing with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.
- Opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free apricot preserve to reduce the overall sugar content.
- Use a low-sodium onion soup mix or create your own blend of dried onion, garlic, and herbs.
- Swap chicken thighs for skinless, boneless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content.
- Increase the amount of fresh thyme and add other herbs like rosemary or oregano for extra flavor.
- Serve the dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
Editor's Opinion: Why One-Pot Apricot Chicken is a Must-Try
This one-pot apricot chicken recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The French dressing and apricot preserves create a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the tender chicken thighs. The addition of thyme adds a refreshing herbal note, elevating the dish to a new level. The simplicity of cooking everything in one pot makes this recipe a convenient and impressive option for any occasion. It's a wonderful balance of flavors that will surely impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
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Why trust this One Pot Apricot Chicken Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of apricot preserves and french dressing, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile. The addition of fresh thyme adds a refreshing herbal note, elevating the dish. The use of dry onion soup mix enhances the savory elements, providing depth of flavor. The cooking method in a cast iron skillet ensures even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken thighs. Trust in the harmonious blend of these quality ingredients to deliver a delicious and satisfying meal.
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