Apricot chicken is a nostalgic Aussie dinner dish that never goes out of style. This easy apricot chicken recipe requires just a few ingredients and very little effort, making it perfect for family dinners. With its sweet and savoury flavours, it’s a comforting meal that’s sure to become a household favourite.
What is apricot chicken?
Apricot chicken is a classic Australian dish made by combining chicken with a sweet and savoury apricot sauce. The sauce is traditionally made with apricot nectar and French onion soup mix, creating a rich glaze that thickens as it cooks.
Apricot chicken has become one of the most popular chicken recipes because it uses a handful of pantry staples and requires minimal preparation. The sweetness of the apricot balances the savoury onion flavour, while the chicken absorbs the sauce as it bakes.
Ingredients for classic apricot chicken
This easy apricot chicken recipe relies on simple ingredients that complement each other.
The chicken
When choosing the chicken to use, go for chicken thighs because they stay juicy and flavourful during cooking. The bone-in thighs provide extra richness, while boneless thighs are convenient and easy to serve.
You can also use chicken drumsticks, especially if you're feeding a crowd. If you prefer using chicken breast, keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn't dry out. Whichever cut you choose, pat the chicken dry before cooking to ensure the sauce clings to the meat.
The apricot sauce (apricot nectar, French onion soup mix)
The sauce is what gives apricot chicken its signature flavour. Apricot nectar provides sweetness and fruitiness, while French onion soup mix adds a savoury depth. This combination is usually referred to as apricot chicken with French onion soup. Some apricot chicken recipes also include a little tomato sauce or Dijon mustard for extra tang, but traditional versions use just the nectar and onion soup mix. You can have the ingredients you need delivered in your HelloFresh meal kits.
Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 20 minutes before baking to allow the flavours to develop.
How to make apricot chicken: step by step
Follow these steps to make delicious apricot chicken:
- Preheat the oven: Get a large baking dish and line it with baking paper. You also need to preheat the oven to 200 °C.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towel. Season with pepper, then sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Mix the sauce: Combine the apricot nectar with the French onion soup mix in a mixing bowl and whisk them together until they're well blended. Here you can add optional extras such as Dijon mustard, vinegar or soy sauce.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked. When your apricot chicken is ready, garnish it with fresh parsley.
Instead of baking, you can opt for slow cooker apricot chicken. Simply combine the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender. Apricot chicken is an excellent substitute for sweet & sticky glazed chicken or our quick Moroccan chicken.
Common mistakes to avoid with apricot chicken
When cooking apricot chicken, avoid overcrowding the baking dish. When the chicken thighs are packed too tightly, they release steam, which makes the sauce thinner instead of thicker. Another common mistake is cooking the chicken for too long. The sauce contains sugar from the apricots, so extended cooking can cause it to darken too much around the edges, just like other sauce-based dishes such as sweet & sour chicken.
Taste the apricot nectar before mixing the sauce. Some are slightly sweeter than others, and you need to adjust the seasoning to ensure a balanced flavour. When the apricot chicken is ready, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.
What to serve with apricot chicken
Apricot chicken is served with simple sides that can soak up the sauce. A classic choice is steamed rice because it soaks up the rich, sweet and savoury sauce. Mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, such as green beans and broccoli, also pair beautifully with apricot chicken.
Spice up your apricot chicken with a garden salad. For a nostalgic family dinner, serve your chicken with brown rice. You should also check out HelloFresh stories for inspiration.
How to store and reheat apricot chicken
Leftover apricot chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
When reheating leftover apricot chicken, warm it on the stove or put it into the microwave. If your apricot chicken is frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Apricot Chicken FAQs
What cut of chicken is best for apricot chicken?
Chicken thighs are the best choice for apricot chicken because they stay tender and juicy while cooking in the sauce. You can also use chicken breast or drumsticks, but watch the cooking time carefully.
Can you make apricot chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes. Like many Australian recipes, apricot chicken can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients and cook on low until the chicken is tender.
What can you use instead of apricot nectar?
If you don't have apricot nectar, apricot jam mixed with a little water is a common substitute. Apricot preserves can also work and will create a similar fruity sweetness.
Can you freeze apricot chicken?
Yes. Let the chicken cool down, then freeze it in an airtight container with the sauce. Thaw it overnight and reheat gently before serving.
Is apricot chicken sweet?
Yes. Apricot chicken has a subtle sweetness, but it's balanced by the savoury flavour of the French onion soup mix. What you get is a sweet-savoury sauce and not a dessert-like sweetness.
What sides go with apricot chicken?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and green beans are excellent side dishes for apricot chicken. A fresh salad also works well if you'd like a lighter meal alongside the rich apricot sauce.