Easy Recipe Apricot Chicken: A Sweet Savoury Midweek Dinner

apricot mango

Few meals satisfy both sweet and savoury cravings like a hearty apricot chicken dish. In Australia, this classic combination—tender chicken simmered in tangy apricot sauce—has become a weeknight staple, cherished for its comfort-food appeal and simplicity. In this guide, you’ll discover how to whip up a flavourful apricot chicken with minimal fuss, along with tips on choosing the right knives for your prep work.

We’ll also cover key cooking techniques, variations to suit different palates, and references to trusted external resources. Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a new take on midweek dinners or you simply adore sweet-and-salty meals, this recipe is poised to become a family favourite.

Why Apricot Chicken?

There’s something magical about pairing sweet apricots with the subtle richness of chicken. The fruit’s natural sweetness melds seamlessly with savoury elements like onions, garlic, and herbs.

Apricot chicken often finds a place on Aussie dinner tables for a reason: it’s quick to prepare, forgiving if you need to swap ingredients, and universally comforting. With the help of a sharp blade, such as a chef knife, you can have this dish on the stove or in the oven in under 15 minutes of active prep.

apricot chicken

Tools You’ll Need

  • A sturdy chopping board (preferably a chopping board wood or plastic board).
  • A reliable knife, like a chef knife or a paring knife, depending on whether you’re slicing chicken fillets or dicing apricots. Browse Ryda Knives AU for a variety of best kitchen knives that streamline meal prep.
  • A medium to large frying pan or saucepan with a lid, or an ovenproof casserole dish if you prefer a baked version.
  • Basic kitchen utensils: measuring cups, spoons, stirring spoons, etc.

Ingredients and Variations

Apricot chicken may centre on one key fruit, but there’s a world of flexibility in how you assemble the dish. Below is a standard approach, plus suggestions for tweaks that fit various dietary needs or personal tastes.

Pre Time: 10-15 mins
Cook Time: 20-25 mins (Stovetop), 35-40 mins (Oven)

Main Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 600–700g chicken fillets (breast or thigh, skinless)
  • 1 onion, finely sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup apricot nectar or apricot puree (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons apricot jam (optional for added sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

  • A splash of chicken stock or water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  • Vegetables like carrots, capsicum, or zucchini for added nutrition.
  • A pinch of chilli flakes for those who enjoy a slight kick.

Consider substituting or adding these elements based on your preferences. For instance, if you crave a tangier sauce, add a tablespoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice. If you adore spice, garnish with fresh chilli slices before serving.

Apricot Chicken: Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Preparation

  1. Clean and Chop
    After washing your hands, pat the chicken fillets dry with paper towels. Use a sharp blade—like a chef knife or a chef knife kit if you have multiple knives—to cut the fillets into even pieces, ensuring they cook at the same rate. Onions and garlic can be sliced on a stable board with a chopping board juice groove if you’re dealing with juicy or watery produce.

  2. Season and Marinate (Optional)
    While apricot chicken doesn’t require extensive marinating, some cooks like to coat the chicken in a small drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme for 10 minutes to amplify flavour. If you have extra time, do it—if not, the dish remains delicious without this step.

marinate chicken

Stovetop or Oven?

The stovetop method produces a quick, sauce-coated finish, while the oven-baked method infuses the chicken with deeper, roasted notes. Below are guidelines for each.

Stovetop Approach

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a medium to large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and minced garlic, stirring for about 2–3 minutes until they soften and turn translucent.

Sauté Onions and Garlic

2. Brown the Chicken
Push the onions to the side of the pan or remove them temporarily. Place chicken pieces in the pan, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step seals in juices and builds flavour.

Brown the Chicken

3. Add Apricot Base
Lower the heat. Pour in the apricot nectar or puree. If using apricot jam, stir it in at this point, along with dried thyme or oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust thickness by adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the sauce looks too concentrated.

apricot jam

4. Simmer and Thicken
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for around 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken should be fully cooked (no pink in the centre) and the sauce nicely thickened.

apricot chicken

5. Serve
Plate the chicken and spoon extra sauce on top. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.

apricot chicken

Oven-Baked Variation

  1. Preheat and Prep
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan-forced if available). Lightly grease a casserole dish or baking tray.

  2. Layer and Cover
    Spread the sliced onions and garlic on the bottom of the dish. Arrange the chicken pieces on top. Whisk together the apricot nectar, optional jam, thyme, salt, and pepper, then pour it over the chicken. If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid on the stovetop first, or dust a bit of cornstarch into the mixture.

  3. Bake
    Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake for around 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce. Check that the chicken juices run clear.

  4. Garnish and Serve
    Finish with fresh herbs or a pinch of chilli flakes if you like. Serve hot with your chosen sides.

Meal Pairings and Serving Suggestions

  • Starchy Sides: Fluffy rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes absorb the sweet apricot sauce.
  • Vegetable Sides: Steam or roast broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a nutritious complement.
  • Salad: A crisp garden salad or coleslaw cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.

Try drizzling any leftover sauce over roast potatoes for an extra hint of sweetness.

Knife Tips for Easier Prep

1. Maintain Sharp Blades
A dull knife can frustrate your cooking routine and pose a safety hazard. Keep a honing rod ceramic or honing steel diamond on hand for quick touch-ups. For deeper sharpening, invest in a whetstone or consult a professional service. Check out our kitchen knives at Ryda Knives AU for more on sharpening tools and the best kitchen knives sharpener picks.

2. Choose the Right Knife
When slicing chicken, a chef knife or a well-balanced santoku knife can quickly portion fillets. If you need to trim fat or remove bones (like in thighs), opt for a small utility or paring knife for precision.

santoku knives

Shop Santoku knives

3. Stable Cutting Surface
Prevent slipping and accidents by placing a damp cloth under your chopping board. If you process a lot of meats, a chopping board for meat might be designated specifically to avoid cross-contamination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking: Chicken can become dry if left to simmer too long. Always check doneness before adding extra simmer time.
  • Skipping the Sear: Browning the chicken fosters deeper flavour. That quick step matters.
  • Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is watery, reduce it by cooking uncovered longer or using a mild thickener like cornstarch.
  • Forgetting Balanced Flavour: Apricots are naturally sweet, so be sure to add enough salt, pepper, or herbs to offset any cloying sweetness.

Nutritional Notes

Apricot chicken can be quite balanced: lean protein from chicken, natural sugars from apricots, and the potential for plenty of veggies on the side. If you want a healthier version, opt for skinless chicken breast, reduce added sugar by skipping extra jam, and add more vegetables to bulk out the meal.

External Resources

For further reading and cooking inspiration, you might enjoy:

  • Nutrition Australia – Tips on portion sizes and healthy ingredient choices.
  • BBC Good Food – Not Australian-based, but an extensive source of free recipes and culinary advice.

Leftover Ideas

If you have extra apricot chicken, shred or dice the meat and tuck it into a sandwich or wrap with lettuce and tomato. Alternatively, reheat it and serve over a bed of baby spinach for a warm salad. The leftover sauce can also top grilled vegetables or become a glaze for roasted sweet potatoes.

roasted potatoes

Kitchen Knife Care with Ryda Knives AU

A recipe like apricot chicken becomes simpler and faster when you rely on well-maintained knives. If you’re seeking an upgrade—maybe a chef knife on sale or a best quality kitchen knives set—explore Ryda Knives AU. Our offerings range from everyday staples to advanced designs like chef knife damascus or chef knife professional versions that elevate your cutting experience. Investing in sharper, sturdier knives can transform cooking from a chore into a pleasure.

  • Storage: Protect blade edges with a knife holder for kitchen or a knife rack wall mount.
  • Sharpening: Extend your blade life with periodic honing and occasional stone sharpening.
  • Handles: Whether you prefer a classic wooden grip or modern composite handles, the right feel in hand makes a difference in every cut.
knife rack set

Summary and Final Thoughts

Apricot chicken perfectly merges sweetness and savoury depth—an excellent solution for those midweek nights when you want something quick, crowd-pleasing, and just a bit different. Whether you prefer a stovetop simmer or an oven-baked approach, the dish’s adaptability means you can tweak the sauce’s thickness, the herbs, or the spice level to suit your taste. Pair it with a hearty side like mashed potatoes or lighten it up with a simple garden salad.

While the recipe is straightforward, your results also hinge on choosing quality utensils—sharp blades and stable boards help ensure the cooking process is smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. By selecting the best knife for each task, you’re likely to cut prep time and reduce frustration.

If you’re hunting for a new blade that complements your home cooking style, the best knife sets 2024 or other curated picks at Ryda Knives AU can open doors to a more efficient kitchen.

Enjoy your sweet and savoury chicken, and feel free to experiment with different apricot products, herbs, or cooking methods. This dish is forgiving—let it inspire confidence and creativity in your ongoing culinary adventures.

apricot chicken