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
Scale
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.
