Sticky Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

Sticky Apricot Chicken Thighs offer a delightful combination of crispy skin and a sweet, tangy glaze that’s perfect for cozy evenings. This simple recipe uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver an impressive, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup apricot jam
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (use reduced-sodium if you prefer)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water
• Thinly sliced green onions, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook without moving for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add apricot jam, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water to the same skillet. Whisk together, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet skin-side up. Spoon glaze over the top. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce becomes thick and sticky.
5. Step 5: Spoon extra glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with green onions if desired. Serve over fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy every drop of the sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, avoid moving the chicken while browning and make sure it’s very dry before seasoning.
• Swap apricot jam with peach or pineapple jam for a different fruity twist.
• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness without losing flavor.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the glaze if needed. For best texture, reheat slowly to maintain crispy skin.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work but may cook faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor so they don’t dry out.

Is apricot jam necessary, or can I use fresh apricots?

Apricot jam provides the right sweetness and thickness for the glaze. Fresh apricots could be used but would require cooking down with sugar to achieve the proper consistency.

Sticky Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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This Sticky Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe features tender, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a crispy golden skin glazed in a sweet and savory sticky apricot sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients such as apricot jam, soy sauce, and garlic, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The chicken is pan-seared for crispiness, then simmered gently in a homemade glaze until perfectly sticky and flavorful. Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Glaze

• 3/4 cup apricot jam
• 1/3 cup soy sauce (use reduced-sodium if preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish (Optional)

• Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs very dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for 6 to 8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Make the Glaze: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Add apricot jam, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water, whisking and scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom. Let the glaze simmer for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet skin-side up. Spoon some glaze over the top. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce becomes a thick, sticky coating.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon extra glaze from the pan over the chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve over fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy every bit of the sauce.

Notes

• Patting the chicken dry is key for crispy skin—do not skip this step.
• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce if watching salt intake.
• The glaze can thicken further if simmered slightly longer, but be careful not to burn it.
• Leftover chicken reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Green onions add fresh flavor and a pop of color but are optional.

Keywords: Sticky Apricot Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Apricot Jam Glaze, Easy Dinner, Pan-Seared Chicken, Sweet and Savory Chicken