Welcome to your new favorite summer grilling sensation: Grilled Apricot Chicken! This delightful recipe masterfully combines the sweet and tangy essence of apricots with succulent chicken, delivering an unforgettable culinary experience. We’re talking about chicken so juicy and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth, thanks to a two-pronged approach: a vibrant apricot marinade and a luscious apricot chicken glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting your backyard barbecue journey, this easy apricot chicken recipe is designed to impress with its simplicity and incredible taste.
The Ultimate Grilled Apricot Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Tangy & Irresistible
There’s something undeniably special about a perfectly grilled chicken, especially when it’s infused with bright, fruity flavors. This traditional apricot chicken recipe elevates your grilling game by using real apricot preserves, fresh lime juice, and a blend of savory seasonings. The magic begins with marinating the chicken breast, allowing it to soak up all the deliciousness for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor penetration. Just before your chicken finishes cooking on the grill, a quick brush of our simple apricot glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra burst of irresistible sweetness.
Prepare yourself for a symphony of flavors that will make this grilled apricot chicken a staple in your summer meal rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience – moist, tender chicken kissed with smoky grill marks and a vibrant apricot finish. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing for simple substitutions and variations to suit your preferences, making it a truly carefree kitchen creation.
Why This Apricot Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
- Unbeatable Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet apricots and bright lime creates a harmonious balance that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Garlic and onion powders add a subtle depth, making every bite complex and satisfying.
- Incredibly Juicy: Our double-duty apricot marinade acts as a tenderizer, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender even after grilling. The final glaze locks in those juices, preventing dryness.
- Simple & Straightforward: Despite its gourmet taste, this grilled apricot chicken recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. Minimal prep time and clear instructions mean less stress in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfect for Grilling Season: Light, fresh, and bursting with summer flavors, this recipe is ideal for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd. It’s a healthy and flavorful alternative to heavier dishes.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While excellent on the grill, this chicken can also be baked, pan-seared, or even cooked in an air fryer, making it adaptable to any kitchen setup or weather condition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Grilled Apricot Chicken
Crafting the best grilled apricot chicken starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the savory marinade and the irresistible glaze:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for their lean protein and quick cooking time. For an even richer flavor and juicier result, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stand up beautifully to grilling and offer a slightly higher fat content that keeps them incredibly moist.
- Apricot Preserves: The star of the show! You can use any brand of apricot jam, jelly, or preserves. The fruit-forward sweetness and slight tartness are crucial for the distinctive apricot chicken flavor. If apricots aren’t readily available or you’re looking for a twist, peach or even strawberry preserves make fantastic alternatives.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended. Its bright, zesty acidity cuts through the sweetness of the apricots, adding a refreshing counterpoint and helping to tenderize the chicken. Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- Avocado Oil: Chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor, avocado oil is perfect for grilling as it won’t burn easily or overpower the delicate apricot taste. If you don’t have avocado oil, any other high smoke point vegetable oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, will work well.
- Garlic Salt: A convenient blend that provides both garlic flavor and seasoning. If you only have garlic powder and regular salt, you can easily substitute by combining equal parts of each. This ingredient adds a foundational savory note.
- Onion Powder: Contributes a subtle, sweet onion flavor to the marinade without the texture of fresh onion, ensuring a smooth, even coating. It rounds out the savory elements of the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential pantry staples for seasoning to taste. Always start with the recommended amounts and adjust as needed. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Apricot Chicken
Follow these simple instructions to achieve perfectly grilled, succulent apricot chicken every time:
Making the Apricot Chicken Marinade
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres properly. Lay each chicken breast in a large, sturdy Ziploc bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or the bottom of a heavy mason jar, gently pound the thickest part of the chicken until it reaches an even thickness, about ¾ to 1 inch. This promotes even cooking and helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
- Whisk the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apricot preserves, fresh lime juice, avocado oil, garlic salt, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Transfer the pounded chicken breasts into the freezer bag with the marinade. Ensure the chicken is completely coated. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, and up to 24 hours. The longer the marination, the more flavor and tenderness your chicken will develop.
Grilling the Apricot Chicken to Perfection
- Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for an approximate temperature of 375°F (190°C). Allow it to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. Before placing the chicken, clean the grates thoroughly with a grill brush, then lightly spray with a nonstick cooking spray or wipe with an oil-soaked paper towel to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Apricot Glaze: While the grill preheats, make your quick apricot glaze. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining apricot preserves and fresh lime juice. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until the preserves become slightly runny and easy to spread. Set this glaze aside near your grill.
- Grill the Chicken: Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill grates, smooth side down. Close the lid and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until you see beautiful golden-brown grill marks and the chicken easily releases from the grate.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the chicken breasts to the other side and cook for an additional 3 minutes with the lid closed.
- Apply the Glaze: At this stage, the chicken should be nearly cooked through. Using a pastry brush, generously spread a thin layer of the prepared apricot glaze over the tops of the chicken breasts. Close the lid and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
- Check for Doneness and Rest: The most crucial step! Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Once it reaches this temperature, immediately remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a clean plate or platter.
- Final Glaze and Rest: Brush another thin layer of the apricot glaze over the cooked chicken. Crucially, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Your perfectly grilled apricot chicken is now ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Chicken
How long should you marinate Apricot Chicken?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken with the apricot jam marinade for a minimum of 2 hours. You can extend this to up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for an even deeper flavor infusion and incredibly juicy results. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the lime juice can begin to break down the chicken’s fibers too much.
What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
This recipe is written for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and cook relatively quickly. However, you can absolutely substitute them with other cuts. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice for a richer flavor and even juicier outcome due to their higher fat content. Chicken drumsticks or even bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces can also be used, though cooking times will need to be adjusted.
Can you cook Apricot Chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill or prefer oven cooking, this apricot chicken recipe adapts beautifully. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (for easy cleanup). Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Apply the apricot glaze during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a glossy finish.
Can I use other fruit preserves?
Yes, this recipe is quite flexible! While apricot preserves provide the classic flavor, you can experiment with other fruit jams or jellies. Peach preserves would offer a similar sweet and tangy profile, while orange marmalade could provide a more citrusy zest. Even a berry preserve like raspberry or strawberry could create a delicious and unique twist on this grilled chicken.
How can I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Preventing stickage is key to perfect grill marks! First, ensure your grill grates are clean. Any leftover food particles can act as sticking points. Second, preheat your grill thoroughly – a hot grill sears the chicken quickly, forming a crust that helps it release. Finally, lightly oil the grates just before placing the chicken. You can do this by folding a paper towel, dipping it in oil, and carefully wiping it over the hot grates using tongs.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Grilled Chicken Every Time
Grilling chicken can be an art, and a few simple techniques can elevate your results from good to absolutely fantastic:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor & Tenderness: Chicken breasts, particularly, can be prone to dryness and blandness if not properly prepared. Our apricot marinade not only infuses incredible flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Aim for at least 2 hours of marination, but no more than 24 hours. The sweet spot is often around 8-12 hours for a deep, balanced taste without over-tenderizing.
- Always Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill is non-negotiable for achieving those coveted sear marks and ensuring even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the chicken. This also helps to burn off any residue from previous cooks.
- Clean and Oil the Grates: To prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure beautiful grill marks, always clean your grates thoroughly with a wire brush. Then, lightly coat the hot grates with a high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or grapeseed) using a paper towel held by tongs. This creates a non-stick surface.
- Pound Chicken to Even Thickness: Unevenly thick chicken breasts will cook unevenly, leading to dry edges and undercooked centers. Pounding the chicken to an even ¾ to 1-inch thickness ensures consistent cooking and more tender meat.
- Use a Reliable Meat Thermometer: Guessing can lead to overcooked, dry chicken or, worse, undercooked and unsafe meat. An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone if using bone-in cuts) to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resist the Urge to Flip Constantly: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side. This allows a crust to form, which contributes to flavor and prevents sticking. Flip only once or twice for the best results and defined grill marks.
- Understand Grill Zones: If your grill has multiple burners, create direct (high heat) and indirect (low heat) zones. Start the chicken over direct heat for a good sear, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking through without burning the glaze.
- Let it Rest: This is a critical step often overlooked. After grilling, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board or platter, tented loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, resulting in significantly more tender and flavorful meat.
Storing and Reheating Your Apricot Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover grilled apricot chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It makes for excellent meal prep!
- To Reheat: For best results, reheat in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven or toaster oven until warmed through. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook.
Grilled Apricot Chicken Recipe
This traditional apricot chicken recipe uses both an apricot marinade and apricot chicken glaze to make the most delicious grilled chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a perfect addition to your summer grilling repertoire.
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Ingredients
Main:
- 2½ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Apricot Chicken Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Apricot Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 1 teaspoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken and Marinade:
- Remove chicken from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Place in a large freezer bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or heavy object, pound each breast to an even thickness (¾ to 1 inch).
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons lime juice, avocado oil, garlic salt, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the marinade mixture to the freezer bag with the pounded chicken. Ensure chicken is fully coated. Seal the bag, pressing out air, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to approximately 375°F (190°C). Clean and lightly spray grates with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons apricot preserves and 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice for the glaze. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until preserves are runny and easily spreadable. Set aside near the grill.
- Using tongs, remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the hot grill, smooth side down. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown grill marks appear.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes with the lid closed.
- Just before the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), brush a thin layer of the prepared apricot glaze over the tops of the chicken breasts. Close the lid and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.
- Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, remove it from the grill and place on a plate. Brush another thin layer of glaze over the top, then allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Storing leftovers: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Either microwave in short bursts or reheat in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Irresistible Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you loved this apricot chicken, you’re in for a treat! The world of chicken recipes is vast and exciting. Here are some more of our best chicken dishes that promise flavor, juiciness, and ease of preparation, perfect for any night of the week:
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We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this fantastic Grilled Apricot Chicken recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. If you’ve tried this recipe, please take a moment to rate it and leave a comment below – your feedback is invaluable and helps both us and other readers discover amazing new dishes! Don’t forget to connect with us on Pinterest, Instagram (@thecarefreekitchen), and Facebook. Share your creations using the hashtag #thecarefreekitchen, and we’d love to give your post some love! Happy grilling!
This easy Grilled Apricot Preserves Chicken is a summer favorite. It’s juicy, flavorful, topped with a simple apricot glaze, and perfect for your next BBQ or weeknight meal.