Apricot chicken with ginger is a flavorful chicken dinner that uses just 3 ingredients and takes less than 20 minutes to make. If you need a quick, last minute dinner recipe, this quick chicken dish is for you!
Apricot Chicken is one of those last minute dishes I created on a busy weeknight.
Mondays always seem to be the most hectic. It seems that I’m always scrambling a bit for a last-minute dinner idea.
We eat a lot of chicken. A LOT of chicken! Any twist on the same old grilled or baked chicken is always well received. I keep a jar of apricot preserves in my fridge at all times. I actually never put it on toast, it’s merely for cooking and baking purposes. Seriously. Apricot jam is the “secret” ingredient in most baked goods, and it’s what gives pies and pastries that lovely sheen. I also love the combination of apricot and chicken, like this Apricot Almond Chicken Salad.
Apricot Glaze
There was always a large pot of apricot “glaze” in the pastry kitchen at cooking school and we used it liberally! But apricot jam is also a great in savory dishes and I use it on my pork loin, in Coronation Chicken Salad, and in this chicken dish.
How to make apricot glazed chicken
Sauté the chicken in olive oil until nearly done. About 5 minutes per side.
Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. Whisk water, ginger and apricot jam together and pour into hot pan, scraping browned bits from pan.
Return chicken to pan and coat chicken with glaze. Cook another 3-4 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
This simple apricot-ginger glazed chicken recipe is fast, uses just 3 ingredients, (besides the chicken) and makes a quick weeknight meal in under 20 minutes.
Some of the items used in this post are available at my Amazon Affiliate Store.
Apricot Chicken with Ginger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts about 4-6 pieces
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season both sides chicken with salt and pepper. In a heavy skillet or cast iron pan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Cook chicken, 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, or until nearly done.
- Mix jam, water, ginger and vinegar in a small bowl.
- Remove chicken from pan and place on a plate.
- Add apricot mixture to pan, scraping to loosen any browned bits. Place chicken back in pan, turning to coat both sides of each piece, and continue cooking until sauce is thickened, the consistency of a glaze and chicken is cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Creative Mama Renee says
Wow! That apricot and ginger glaze sounds good! We don’t do a ton of chicken at our house (not my hubby’s favorite) but I bet this same glaze would go fabulously over pork chops!
Cynthia says
It will be delicious on pork too!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
Jam is a magic ingredient in so many dishes, I love the sound of this chicken!
Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life says
I love the flavors and of course how easy it is too! I have madesomething similar (no ginger) so I know I am going to love this! I cannot wait to try it. I was excited to find it at #FoodieFriDIY…thanks for sharing it! You’re going to be one of my features tonight…in the meantime, sending lots of foodie love your way!
Cynthia says
Oh, thank you so much Michelle! I’ll stop by after work and return the love!
Mike says
This sounds fantastic and I’ve been looking for some different chicken recipe options, Cynthia! I love easy recipes that still pack a wallop for wonderful flavors. You nailed it here! Can’t wait to make it at home 🙂
Cynthia says
Thanks Mike! so nice to hear!
Lynne says
So yummy and easy! We make a lot of chicken too, so easy new recipes are great!
Deborah Fletcher says
Made this dish tonight. It was everything Cynthia said it would be! Fast,Easy,and Delicious! Try it!!!
Cynthia says
Oh, I’m so glad Deborah! Thanks for letting me know!
Christina says
I seriously want this on a plate in front of me right now! How insanely simple, and I love the addition of the ginger! Trying this very soon!
Cynthia says
I know, how funny! I made it so last minute one night and can’t believe how popular it’s become!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I am so loving your combination of fresh ginger, apple cider and apricot jam in this chicken recipe! I’m always time crunched during the week and this would be such a delight to enjoy at the end of a crazy day – thanks so much for sharing it!
allie says
I love flavorful and simple recipes like this based on chicken. Everyone loves chicken at my house. In fact, I have a friend who makes us homemade apricot jalapeno jam for Christmas every year. I have some in my refrigerator now and I’m going to try it with your recipe! Thanks Cynthia.
Tammy says
The apricot jam is a wonderful idea…makes a really nice glaze for the chicken and added flavor too. This meal looks amazing! 🙂
Betty Pirs says
Delicious recipe. Can you make ahead and reheat?
Melissa Cushing says
This looks so yummy and delish! My husband love chicken thighs so this is perfect for him and I would love some rice and veggies on the side. I am a huge Apricot fan so the two together….outrageously delicious!
Cynthia says
My husband prefers thighs as well since they are juicier! I usually serve with rice and veggies too!
Lasonia says
This dish looks amazing! The recipe is so simple and easy – I need to add this to my dinner rotation.
Cynthia says
It’s super fast and easy Lasonia! Thank you.
mimi rippee says
Very nice. I like that you added fresh ginger and the vinegar, so it’s not completely sweet. Great idea.
Catherine says
Sounds like such a flavorful glaze! A perfect dinner for the family during the week..love the apricot jam and ginger together.
Katie Zack says
Made this for dinner tonight. Only thing I’d do differently is double the glaze! My husband loved it!!
Cynthia says
Awesome! If you love ginger, you can double the ginger too!
Rita Grazda says
This was a huge hit at my house and it really only took 20 minutes to throw together. I served it with Trader Joe’s frozen brown rice (3 minutes) and fresh green beans (2 minutes). Perfect weeknight dinner!
Cynthia says
Thank you Rita! It is super fast and easy. The TJ’s brown rice would be a great accompaniment to it!
Rita says
This week we tried it with pork chops and added sliced peaches. Great twist with this glaze!
Cynthia says
Love the sound of that! Sounds fab!
Kay N says
Yumm! Thank you!
Cynthia says
you’re welcome!
Betty says
This is a very tasty as well as quick supper. Love it! I have a group coming and I was wondering if a double batch could be made and reheated ?
Cynthia says
Absolutely! I double recipes a lot! Cook once, eat twice.
Judy Bame says
A new favorite. My son has an apricot tree. My DIL made an apricot ginger jam. This recipe was made for our family!
Cynthia says
so glad! I have an apricot tree too, I think I’ll need your daughter in law’s jam recipe! Thank you!