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.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and release any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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).

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1641.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3070.4

Total Fat 157.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 874.0mg	0%
Sodium 3545.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 139.2g
Protein 221.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 170.5mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 1182.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 22.1%