If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and the irresistible crunch of well-cooked chicken skin, this Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe is just the treat for you. Tender chicken thighs get their golden, crispy skin locked in by a quick sear, then braised in a luscious apricot and Dijon mustard sauce that simmers into every bite. The combination of smoky paprika and lemon juice lifts the dish, creating a harmony of flavors that feels both comforting and a little special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe keeps things straightforward yet packs a punch thanks to simple, smartly chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish shine.
- Chicken thighs (skin on): The star of the dish, these provide juicy meat and crisp skin that’s pure bliss.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to develop that irresistible golden crust without sticking.
- Apricot jam: Adds natural sweetness and a silky texture to the sauce, bringing that characteristic apricot flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a slight tanginess and depth, balancing the sweet apricot perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Helps create a savory base for the braising liquid, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Lemon juice: Provides a bright, fresh lift to the sauce preventing it from feeling too heavy.
- Onion powder: Offers subtle savory notes that enhance the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Adds warmth and a comforting aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the apricot.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky richness complementing the chicken’s crispiness and the sauce’s sweetness.
- Salt & pepper: Essentials that elevate and balance every ingredient, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This temperature is just right to finish off the chicken in the tender braising liquid without drying it out. Having the oven ready early helps keep the cooking process seamless and stress-free.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken thighs skin side down. This step is key for achieving that coveted crispy skin that provides contrasting texture to the tender meat within. Cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing the skin to become deeply golden and release naturally from the pan. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye — if your pan starts smoking or the oil splatters aggressively, simply lower the heat. A hot pan is important, but you want controlled heat to avoid burning.
Step 3: Remove Chicken
Once your chicken is nicely browned on both sides, transfer it to a plate. Don’t worry, all that delicious fond left in the pan is the foundation for the next step — this is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Make the Apricot Braising Sauce
Into the same skillet, add apricot jam, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Stir constantly to blend all those lovely flavors and dissolve the jam into a glossy sauce. This moment is crucial — the sauce sets the tone of the dish with its blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes.
Step 5: Braise in the Oven
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up, nestled into the sauce but uncovered so the skin stays crispy. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven for 45 minutes. During this time, the chicken finishes cooking, soaking in the apricot glaze, and the skin crisps up even more. The result is a deeply flavorful dish that delivers crispy textures and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness in every bite.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a rich glaze, it’s time to serve immediately. This dish tastes amazing while the skin is still crisp and the sauce is warm and luscious.
How to Serve Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten the presentation and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves. A tiny sprinkle of chili flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a hint of spice. Thin lemon zest curls also complement the apricot notes beautifully, adding freshness and color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the flavorful apricot sauce like a dream. Roasted seasonal vegetables, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, provide great texture contrast and a touch of earthiness. For a lighter option, consider a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to keep things bright and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken plated atop a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice to catch every drop of apricot-infused sauce. You can also arrange the chicken pieces on a rustic wooden board surrounded by orange slices and fresh herbs for a casual family-style experience that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, retaining much of its flavor and texture, though the skin might lose some crispness.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe for longer, freeze the cooled chicken pieces and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without sides or garnishes to maintain freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven (around 325°F) to help revive some of the crispiness of the chicken skin. Alternatively, warm the sauce on the stovetop while reheating the chicken separately in a skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
While chicken breasts can technically be used, thighs stay juicier and more flavorful in this Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe. The skin also crisps better on thighs, making the texture more enjoyable.
Is apricot jam the best choice for the braising sauce?
Apricot jam offers a beautiful balance of sweetness and fruitiness, but you could experiment with peach or orange preserves for similarly delightful results. Just avoid jams with large chunks or seeds.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your chicken broth and Dijon mustard to ensure no gluten-containing additives.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken thighs are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cooking time of 45 minutes in the oven after searing usually ensures they are perfectly cooked and tender.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
If smoked paprika isn’t available, regular paprika or a small pinch of chipotle powder can provide a nice smoky note. Alternatively, omit it and stick to the other spices—your chicken will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both effortless and impressively flavorful. The golden crisp skin combined with the rich, fruity glaze makes every bite pure joy. I truly hope you give it a try soon and find it as much of a winner at your table as I do at mine. Happy cooking!
Print
Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Braised Apricot Chicken recipe features succulent chicken thighs cooked to perfection with a flavorful apricot glaze. The chicken is first seared to achieve a crispy skin, then braised in a tangy apricot and mustard sauce in the oven for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for a comforting dinner served alongside mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 8 chicken thighs (skin on)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
- Juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for braising the chicken in the final step.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Cook without moving for 8-10 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to avoid excessive smoking or splattering, but keep the pan hot for good sear.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken thighs to a plate and set aside temporarily.
- Prepare Sauce: To the same skillet, add apricot jam, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt & pepper. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously to combine everything into a smooth sauce.
- Braise Chicken: Return the chicken thighs skin-side up to the skillet, ensuring they are nestled in the sauce. Place the entire skillet in the preheated oven uncovered. Bake for 45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the braised apricot chicken immediately, ideally alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Use a heavy oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan for best results when transitioning from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce to taste before baking if needed.
- If skin crispiness is a priority, you can briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to enhance it further.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- This recipe pairs well with simple steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
