Effortless Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken: A 3-Ingredient Weeknight Wonder
Tired of complicated dinner recipes that leave you exhausted? This incredibly easy meal requires only three simple ingredients and minimal time, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Savor the delightful blend of sweet and tangy apricot BBQ glazed chicken, beautifully served over fluffy Basmati rice with a quick dusting of fresh cilantro. It’s a flavor sensation that will quickly become a family favorite!
Chicken remains a staple in households worldwide for good reason – it’s versatile, lean, and universally loved. If you’re anything like us, chicken makes an appearance on your dinner table at least a few times a week, constantly inspiring the search for fresh and exciting preparations. This Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken recipe stands out not only for its irresistibly delicious flavor but also for its remarkable simplicity. Whether you choose to bake it in the oven for a hands-off approach or fire up the grill for a smoky outdoor feast, this dish is so straightforward, even novice cooks can achieve culinary success.
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A Flavor Profile Everyone Will Adore
We’ve found this chicken to be an absolute hit, even with the most discerning palates in our household. The inherent appeal of classic BBQ is undeniable, but the addition of apricot preserves elevates it to an entirely new level. This creates a wonderfully sweetened, subtly fruity glaze that perfectly balances the savory chicken, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination is so good, it’s hard to imagine anyone not loving it!
While we love serving this delectable chicken over fluffy Basmati rice, lightly dusted with fresh cilantro for an aromatic finish, its versatility truly shines. Imagine it alongside a rich, creamy mac and cheese for a hearty meal, or tucked into a soft bun for a gourmet BBQ chicken sandwich. The possibilities are endless, and each option promises a delightful experience.
The Ultimate Side Dish: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad
No meal is complete without a perfect side dish, and our go-to choice is the delicious Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad. This vibrant salad offers a delightful crunch and tangy-sweet flavor that beautifully complements the rich apricot BBQ chicken. Whether you prefer to enhance it with additional fresh herbs and vegetables, much like our popular Italian Bean Salad, or serve it straight from the jar for ultimate convenience, you simply can’t go wrong. The convenience and flavor make it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
The Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad is a carefully crafted, sweet blend featuring kidney, garbanzo, green, and wax beans, all beautifully accented with freshly diced onions and red peppers. Its ready-to-serve goodness straight from the jar makes it one of their most popular and beloved items. This colorful and flavorful salad is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for elegant gourmet table settings, casual summer picnics, and every meal in between.
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The Magic of Three Simple Ingredients
You’re already halfway to a delicious meal with just your favorite BBQ sauce and a jar of apricot preserves! These two ingredients form the foundation of our sweet and savory glaze. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – proving that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create something truly special. The final ingredient, of course, is the chicken itself.
A fun anecdote from the kitchen: the moment I opened that jar of apricot preserves, my ever-curious canine companions immediately went into full-on “begging mode.” Given they’d likely never encountered an apricot before, their reaction was quite amusing – but it certainly signaled that I was onto something delicious! The recipe’s success felt guaranteed even before the chicken left the fridge.
Crafting the Perfect Glaze and Cooking the Chicken
Preparing this dish couldn’t be easier. Simply combine the apricot preserves and BBQ sauce in a bowl and set it aside; this will be your flavorful glaze. For the chicken, arrange it on a wire rack placed over a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup ensures even cooking and allows for easy cleanup. Initially, the chicken bakes for 10 minutes, then it’s flipped, and the basting begins. Apply generous layers of the apricot BBQ glaze at intervals, letting the flavors meld and caramelize beautifully in the oven.
For that irresistible sticky, caramelized finish, the final cooking stage involves a quick broil. This crucial step brings out the rich sweetness of the glaze, creating a beautifully charred exterior that locks in moisture and flavor. Keep a close eye on it during this phase to achieve perfect caramelization without burning.
Once perfectly glazed and cooked through, serve your magnificent Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken over a bed of fragrant Basmati rice, adorned with a delicate sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Add a vibrant side of Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad, and dinner is not just easy, it’s exquisitely done!
Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Never second-guess if your chicken is fully cooked again. Food safety is paramount, and achieving the correct internal temperature is key to both delicious and safe chicken. The Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer is an invaluable kitchen tool, offering unparalleled speed and accuracy. It’s simply the best meat thermometer we have ever owned, ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked poultry every single time.
Looking for more inspiring ways to enjoy Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad or other quick dinner ideas?
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So, are you ready to simplify your dinner routine and impress your family with this delightful Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken? Let’s get cooking!
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Print Recipe
Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken
2 mins
35 mins
37 mins
Equipment
- Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins (chicken breast strips)
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce
- Olive oil (for brushing, plus salt and pepper to taste)
- Basmati rice and cilantro for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the wire rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Gently brush the chicken tenderloins with a little olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins evenly on the prepared wire rack. Transfer the baking sheet to the center of the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken pieces over and brush one side with a generous coating of the apricot BBQ sauce mixture. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Flip the chicken once more, brush the other side with sauce, and bake for a final 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. To achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze, switch your oven to broil (keeping the pan in the center). Brush one last layer of sauce on the chicken and broil for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and slightly browned. Flip and repeat on the other side. Serve immediately over warm Basmati rice, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition
Calories: 292kcal |
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 36g |
Fat: 6g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Cholesterol: 96mg |
Sodium: 220mg |
Sugar: 12g
Discover More Easy Weeknight Meal Inspiration!
If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Our blog is packed with fantastic ideas to make dinner a breeze. Explore more delicious and fuss-free options:
From quick chicken dishes to other family-friendly dinners, we’re dedicated to helping you create memorable meals without the stress. Happy cooking!
**Self-Correction/Reflection during the process:**
1. **Word Count Check:** After drafting, I noticed I was still a bit short of the 900-word target, especially after removing the JS and simplifying the recipe card. I went back and expanded on several sections:
* **Introduction:** Added more on the universal appeal of chicken and the benefits of this specific recipe.
* **Flavor Profile:** Elaborated on why the apricot-BBQ combination is so good and its appeal to picky eaters.
* **Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad:** Expanded on its description and versatility.
* **The Magic of Three Ingredients:** Detailed the simplicity and the “dynamic duo” anecdote.
* **Cooking Steps:** Added more descriptive language and tips for each step (preheating, brushing, broiling).
* **Thermapen:** Emphasized food safety and the value of an instant-read thermometer.
* **Other Recipes:** Added more descriptive text to the captions for the linked recipes (Spicy Baked Chicken Tenders, Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Sandwiches) to give them more substance within the article’s flow.
* Added a small concluding paragraph.
2. **SEO Titles/Descriptions:** I added `