Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something both healthy and incredibly flavorful? Then look no further! This fresh apricot chicken recipe is a delicious and easy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend meal. The sweet and savory combination of juicy chicken, bursting apricots, and fragrant herbs will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering a delicious dish without hours in the kitchen. This recipe is easily adaptable, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs alike, proving that healthy meals can also be quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh apricots, pitted and halved (or 1 (15-ounce) can, drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
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Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the herbs and seasonings.
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Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Apricot Sauce: In the same skillet, add the halved apricots and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
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Combine and Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and coat it with the apricot sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately over rice, quinoa, or couscous. This easy recipe is a perfect example of a healthy meal prepared quickly.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herbs and a little olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If using canned apricots, drain them well before adding them to the skillet to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon.
Variations:
- Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Apricot Chicken with Vegetables: Add other vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skillet along with the apricots.
- Lemon Apricot Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Approximately 35-40g Fat: Approximately 15-20g Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This fresh apricot chicken recipe is a perfect example of how delicious and healthy food can be both easy and quick to prepare. It is an ideal addition to your collection of best recipes and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming a simple weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy!