Apricot Jam Glazed Chicken

An Easy 30-Minute Chicken Dinner That Tastes Like Summer

Sweet, savory, tangy, and sticky—in the best way possible—this Apricot Jam Glazed Chicken brings bold flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy chicken glazed in a golden, glossy apricot sauce that’s perfect for summer nights, weeknight dinners, or even backyard grilling.

The best part? You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry.

📌 Why You’ll Love This Apricot Glazed Chicken

• ✅ Ready in 30 minutes

• ✅ Minimal ingredients, big flavor

• ✅ Family-friendly – even picky eaters love it!

• ✅ Great for meal prep or entertaining

• ✅ Naturally gluten-free

🍗 Ingredients for Apricot Glazed Chicken

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Apricot Glaze Ingredients

• ½ cup apricot jam (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

🔥 How to Make Sticky Apricot Glazed Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

💡 Tip: Chicken thighs are ideal for juiciness, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat—just adjust cook time slightly.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Apricot Glaze

In the same pan, lower heat to medium and add:

• apricot jam

• soy sauce

• Dijon mustard

• apple cider vinegar

• garlic

• red pepper flakes (if using)

Stir until the glaze begins to bubble and thicken slightly—about 2–3 minutes.

4. Return Chicken & Glaze

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the top, turning the chicken to coat well. Simmer uncovered for another 5–8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is sticky and glossy.

💡 Internal temp tip: Chicken should register 165°F (74°C) when done.

5. Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme before serving. The green pop complements the sticky golden glaze beautifully.

🧂 Flavor Variations and Add-ins

Spice It Up

Add extra chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to give the glaze a kick.

Add Citrus

Mix in a bit of orange juice or zest to brighten the flavor.

Make It Smoky

Use smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a BBQ-style glaze.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This apricot-glazed chicken pairs beautifully with both comforting sides and light summer fare.

Serve With:

• Coconut rice or basmati rice

• Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)

• Roasted sweet potatoes

• Couscous salad or quinoa

• Warm crusty bread to soak up the glaze

❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

Reheat:

• In a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth

• In the microwave, covered, in 30-second intervals

📖 FAQs – Apricot Jam Glazed Chicken

❓ Can I grill this chicken instead?

Yes! Grill the chicken first, then brush the apricot glaze on during the last 5 minutes of grilling to avoid burning the sugars.

❓ Can I use other types of jam?

Absolutely. Peach, plum, or pineapple jam also work beautifully with this glaze—just keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

❓ Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Sear the chicken first, pour glaze over it in an oven-safe dish, and bake for 10–15 minutes until cooked through and sticky.

❓ Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very! It’s sweet and flavorful without being too spicy. You can skip the chili flakes to make it more kid-friendly.

❓ Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes. Make a double batch and store in portioned containers. The glaze keeps the chicken moist and flavorful even after reheating.

🍴 Final Thoughts: Sweet Meets Savory in Every Bite

This Sticky Apricot Jam Glazed Chicken is proof that quick and easy dinners can still deliver serious flavor. The glossy apricot glaze is sweet and tangy with just enough depth to feel like a special meal—yet it all comes together in 30 minutes with pantry staples.

Serve it on a busy weeknight, at your next backyard BBQ, or even as a meal-prep favorite—it’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that never fails.