Creamy Apricot Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinner with this sumptuous Creamy Apricot Chicken, a dish that combines tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a luscious, velvety sauce infused with sweet apricot preserves, dried apricots, and aromatic thyme. This easy yet elegant recipe balances savory and sweet flavors, creating a perfect harmony that's sure to impress. The rich cream sauce is thickened to perfection and makes an ideal complement to a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite vegetables. With a short prep time of just 15 minutes and a total cook time under an hour, this comforting and flavorful dish is a must-try for busy cooks who crave gourmet flair. Whether you're hosting guests or indulging in a family meal, Creamy Apricot Chicken offers an irresistible blend of nostalgia and sophistication.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup apricot preserves
- 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in the heavy cream, apricot preserves, chopped dried apricots, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3070 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.3 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.2 g | 366% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 874 mg | 291% | |
| Sodium | 3545 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 163.5 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 139.2 g | ||
| Protein | 221.0 g | 442% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 170 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 7.9 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 1182 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
