Apricot Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious & Easy Recipe

Pan Seared Steak Butter Sauce: the words alone evoke images of perfectly browned crust, juicy tenderness, and a rich, decadent sauce that elevates the entire experience. Have you ever wanted to recreate that restaurant-quality steak at home, but felt intimidated by the process? Fear not! This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a flawless pan seared steak butter sauce every single time.

While the exact origins of butter sauce for steak are debated, its popularity likely stems from classic French culinary techniques, where butter sauces like beurre blanc and beurre noisette are staples. These sauces, known for their emulsified richness and nuanced flavors, have undoubtedly influenced the way we enhance steak today. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients, yet delivers maximum flavor impact.

People adore pan seared steak with butter sauce for a multitude of reasons. The sear creates a delightful textural contrast – a crisp, flavorful exterior giving way to a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The butter sauce, infused with aromatics like garlic and herbs, adds a layer of luxuriousness that complements the steak’s natural flavors perfectly. It’s a dish that feels indulgent and special, yet is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and celebratory occasions. So, let’s get started and unlock the secrets to the perfect pan seared steak with a luscious butter sauce!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when we sear them. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer, but not smoke.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear. If necessary, work in batches. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Now, it’s time to make the apricot sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure everything is well combined.
7. Pour the apricot sauce into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly.
8. Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the apricot sauce.

Cooking the Apricot Chicken:

1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving the Apricot Chicken:

1. Serve the apricot chicken hot over cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or even quinoa would all be delicious.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. These add a pop of color and flavor.
3. This apricot chicken is also great served with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
4. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple salad.
5. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
• Pineapple: Add a can of drained pineapple chunks to the skillet along with the chicken for a tropical twist.
• Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers (any color) to the skillet along with the onions for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Honey: Substitute a tablespoon or two of honey for some of the apricot preserves for a sweeter flavor.
• Orange Juice: Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
• Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken: This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Baking: You can also bake this dish. Place the chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Also, double-check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Make it Vegetarian: While this is an apricot chicken recipe, you can adapt the sauce to be used with tofu or other vegetarian protein sources. Simply substitute the chicken with firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water and cubed. Follow the same cooking instructions, adjusting the cooking time as needed for the tofu to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

• Rice Bowls: Serve the apricot chicken over rice in bowls, topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Noodle Bowls: Instead of rice, try serving the apricot chicken over noodles, such as egg noodles or ramen noodles.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the apricot chicken in lettuce wraps. Use large lettuce leaves, such as butter lettuce or romaine lettuce, as the wraps.
• Sandwiches: Shred the apricot chicken and serve it on toasted buns or rolls for a delicious sandwich.
• Tacos: Use the apricot chicken as a filling for tacos. Top with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cabbage, salsa, and sour cream.
• Pizza Topping: Get creative and use the apricot chicken as a pizza topping. Combine it with mozzarella cheese, red onions, and a drizzle of honey for a unique and flavorful pizza.

Storage and Reheating:

• Storage: Store leftover apricot chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the apricot chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze apricot chicken for longer storage. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious homemade Apricot Chicken! I hope you find this recipe easy to follow and that it becomes a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Apricot Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The sweet and tangy apricot glaze, perfectly balanced with savory chicken, creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Seriously, the aroma alone will have your family gathering in the kitchen, eager to dig in. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to add a little sunshine to their dinner table.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it over fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, or pair it with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. For a lighter option, try serving it with a quinoa salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider these variations:

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spicy Apricot Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick.
* Apricot Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, marinate, and thread onto skewers with bell peppers and onions for a fun and flavorful appetizer or grilling option.
* Apricot Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Shred leftover chicken and mix it with mayonnaise, celery, and a touch of apricot preserves for a unique and delicious sandwich filling.
* Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs: Swap out the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken: For an even easier weeknight meal, combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

I’ve made this Apricot Chicken countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite, passed down through generations. It’s simple enough for a beginner cook, yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palates. The combination of sweet and savory is truly irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Add your favorite herbs and spices, adjust the sweetness to your liking, or try different variations of the glaze. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, tips, and variations in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Apricot Chicken enthusiasts! What did you serve it with? Did you make any substitutions? What did your family think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this fantastic dish. So, get cooking, and let’s spread the Apricot Chicken love! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!