Apricot Chicken Bake

Apricot Chicken Bake Recipe - Delicious and Healthy Meal

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Apricot Chicken Bake is a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of apricots with the savory flavor of baked chicken. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a meal that delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of apricot preserves, orange juice, and a mix of seasonings creates a sauce that is both rich and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions.

History

The origins of Apricot Chicken can be traced back to the mid-20th century, where it gained popularity as a simple yet flavorful dish that could be easily prepared at home. It embodies the fusion of sweet and savory flavors, a hallmark of several culinary traditions around the world. Over the years, the recipe has evolved, with various adaptations adding unique twists to the classic dish.

Ingredients

8 broiler-fryer quarters (about 5 to 6 lb or 2.72 kg)
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup orange juice
0.5 cup apricot preserves
0.33 cup catsup
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp dry mustard
1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
4 cup hot cooked rice (cooked in chicken broth)

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken with pepper.
Place the chicken in a greased baking dish, cover it, and bake it at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the onion and garlic in butter in a large skillet until tender.
Add orange juice, preserves, ketchup, soy sauce, and mustard. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
Spoon about half of the sauce over the chicken.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake it uncovered for 20 minutes longer.
Spoon the remaining sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle it with green pepper and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Serve the chicken and sauce with hot rice.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to the apricot sauce. You can also substitute the apricot preserves with peach or pineapple preserves for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and flavorful, marinate it in a portion of the apricot sauce for a few hours before baking. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with the sauce's rich flavors. Additionally, basting the chicken with the sauce during baking helps keep it moist and enhances the dish's overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apricot Chicken Bake over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the dish well, making for a well-rounded meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken uncovered for the final 20 minutes allows the sauce to thicken and caramelize, adding depth to the dish's flavor. For an extra tender chicken, consider slow-cooking it in the sauce before finishing it in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

If apricot preserves are not available, apricot jam or even fresh apricots (chopped and lightly cooked with a bit of sugar) can be used as substitutes. For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth.

Make Ahead Tips

The apricot sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Marinating the chicken in the sauce overnight can also save time and enhance the flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color. Serving the chicken on a platter surrounded by slices of fresh apricots can also elevate the presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the Apricot Chicken Bake.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Apricot Chicken Bake contains approximately 300-400 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie option for a main course. This calorie count can vary based on the size of the chicken quarters and the specific ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

This Apricot Chicken Bake recipe contains carbohydrates primarily from the apricot preserves and orange juice. A serving of this dish provides approximately 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a moderate source of carbs. The exact amount may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe comes mainly from the chicken. Using skinless chicken quarters can help reduce the fat content significantly. On average, a serving of Apricot Chicken Bake contains about 10-15 grams of fat, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats.

Proteins

Chicken is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each serving of Apricot Chicken Bake offers around 25-35 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth. This makes the dish a hearty and nutritious option for those looking to maintain or increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the orange juice, Vitamin A from the apricot preserves, and various B vitamins from the chicken. It also provides minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include soy (from the soy sauce) and gluten (if using soy sauce or chicken broth that is not gluten-free). It's important to check the labels of the ingredients used to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, Apricot Chicken Bake is a balanced dish that offers a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful option that can fit into a variety of dietary preferences.

Summary

Apricot Chicken Bake is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apricots with the savory taste of baked chicken. With its rich nutritional profile and the ability to adapt to various dietary needs, it's a delightful option for any meal. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious dinner with your family, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Apricot Chicken Bake. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman just starting out in my own kitchen. I had recently married and was eager to impress my new husband with my cooking skills.

One day, I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, a handwritten note fell out and fluttered to the floor. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Apricot Chicken Bake.

The note was written in elegant script and was signed by my grandmother's best friend, Mrs. Thompson. It read:

"To my dearest friend, I wanted to share with you this wonderful recipe that I recently discovered. It's a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have."

Intrigued, I read through the recipe and felt a surge of excitement. I had never heard of such a dish before, but the ingredients sounded delicious. Apricots, chicken, onions, and a hint of mustard and vinegar – it was a unique combination that I couldn't wait to try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients and following the instructions carefully. As the dish baked in the oven, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, I served it to my husband with a side of steamed vegetables and a glass of chilled white wine.

To my delight, he raved about the dish, savoring each bite with a look of pure enjoyment on his face. I knew then that I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe that would become a staple in our household for years to come.

Over the years, I continued to make Apricot Chicken Bake for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, it received glowing reviews and requests for the recipe. I proudly shared it with friends and relatives, passing on the handwritten note that had started it all.

As time went on, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I would sprinkle toasted almonds on top for a crunchy texture, or substitute peaches for apricots for a sweeter flavor. No matter how I prepared it, the dish always turned out delicious and never failed to impress.

One day, my own granddaughter came to visit and asked me to teach her how to make Apricot Chicken Bake. I was overjoyed at the opportunity to pass down this beloved recipe to her, knowing that it would continue to bring her joy and satisfaction in her own kitchen.

As we stood side by side in the kitchen, mixing the ingredients and chatting about life, I felt a sense of pride and contentment. It was moments like these that made all the years of cooking and experimenting worth it – knowing that I was passing on a tradition that would live on for generations to come.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the first time I saw that handwritten note for Apricot Chicken Bake, I can't help but smile. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious flavors, but for the memories and connections it has created over the years.

I may have learned this recipe from a simple note in an old cookbook, but it has become so much more than that. It's a symbol of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear. And for that, I will always be grateful.