Skillet Apricot Chicken

Name: Skillet Apricot Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts (bone in skin on); kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger; 1 cup apricot preserves or apricot jam; 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 pinches red pepper flakes; 2 green onions thinly sliced

February 8, 2020 by Beth Pierce 39 Comments

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS. AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Apricot Chicken recipe cooks up tender chicken thighs in an easy, flavorful apricot sauce made with five ingredients, most of which you may already have on hand. This delectable chicken recipe is made in one easy skillet. It is a family favorite and I love to serve it with Oven Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Asparagus and Lemon Rice.

Sweet and savory Apricot Chicken is a perfect weeknight recipe! A good chicken recipe is always a treat, but a great chicken recipe is worth its weight in gold. This easy apricot chicken skillet comes together quite quickly and is really such a cinch to prepare that even the novice cook can handle it. This recipe works best with either bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or legs.

Skillet-cooked chicken thighs are perfect for this apricot chicken recipe

How do you make Apricot Chicken?

First in a large skillet or pan over medium heat cook the chicken thighs on both sides until they are a nice golden brown. Then place them on a plate and remove any excess grease from the skillet except for about one tablespoon.

Over low heat add the garlic and ginger. Cook for about one minute stirring constantly. Now add the apricot preserves, soy sauce, ketchup, and crushed red pepper. Whisk to combine the mixture while simmering over low heat. Season with more kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Add the chicken thighs back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the chicken. Finally, simmer loosely covered for about 30-40 minutes checking on it frequently to make sure you do not have the heat too high. If the sauce becomes too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and if desired more crushed red pepper.

This one-skillet apricot chicken is an easy recipe that's perfect for a quick family dinner

Recipe Notes and helpful tips

This recipe is best with skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs or legs.
Use a large non-stick skillet for ease in browning the chicken and for cleanup.
Don’t be afraid to get the chicken skin crispy and golden brown. This may require several minutes and a little bit of snapping, crackling, and popping.
Once the chicken is browned, cover loosely with aluminum foil as you want the chicken to stay crispy.
For optimal flavor simmer the sauce with the chicken in it over low heat loosely covered with a piece of aluminum foil. Check on it several times to make sure the heat is not too high and to stir it a little bit.
If the sauce becomes too thick add 1-2 tablespoons of water.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Apricot preserves are combined with garlic, soy sauce and ginger creating a mouthwatering glaze in this Apricot Chicken.

More chicken recipes you will love!