Easy Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken: Your Go-To 3-Ingredient Weeknight Meal
Craving a meal that’s both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This delightful Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken recipe demands just three core ingredients and minimal effort, delivering a sweet and savory experience. Succulent chicken tenderloins are coated in a vibrant apricot BBQ glaze, baked to perfection, and ideally served over fluffy Basmati rice with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro. It’s the ultimate easy weeknight dinner solution that the whole family will adore!
For many of us, chicken is a staple on the dinner table, appearing at least two to three times a week. While its versatility is undeniable, constantly finding fresh, exciting ways to prepare it can be a challenge. If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for delicious new chicken recipes that don’t demand hours in the kitchen. This Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken recipe is exactly what you need – a true game-changer that combines incredible taste with effortless preparation.
What makes this particular chicken dish stand out is its amazing simplicity. It’s so straightforward, even novice cooks can achieve perfect results. While I typically prepare this delicious glazed chicken in my oven, its sweet and tangy flavors truly shine when grilled outdoors. Imagine the warm sun on your face and the enticing aroma of caramelized apricot BBQ chicken sizzling on the grill – it’s perfect for those lovely warmer days!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Paisley Farm, but the opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the companies and products that make An Affair from the Heart possible.
Why This Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken Will Be a Family Favorite
My own kids absolutely devoured this Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken, and I’m confident it will be a hit even with the pickiest eaters in your household. Who can resist the allure of classic BBQ flavors? But when you introduce the sweet, fruity notes of apricot preserves into the mix, it elevates the sauce to an entirely new level. The result is a wonderfully balanced glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. It’s a flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds – I pinkie swear!
While serving this delightful chicken over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice and dusting it with fresh cilantro is a classic and highly recommended option, the versatility of this dish allows for numerous serving possibilities. Consider pairing it with a creamy, hearty mac ‘n cheese for ultimate comfort food, or even nestling it inside soft buns for delectable apricot BBQ chicken sandwiches. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this easy chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.
The Perfect Pairing: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad
Looking for the ideal side dish to complement your Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken? Allow me to introduce you to our absolute favorite: Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad. This vibrant, flavorful salad is a fantastic accompaniment that enhances any meal. Whether you prefer to jazz it up with extra fresh ingredients, as showcased in this Italian Bean Salad recipe, or simply serve it straight from the jar for ultimate convenience, you simply can’t go wrong. The sweet and tangy profile of the Four Bean Salad beautifully contrasts with the rich glaze of the chicken, creating a perfectly balanced plate.
This dynamic duo of Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken and Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad is perfect for any occasion. It’s a comforting meal for those chilly evenings when you’re still enjoying indoor dining, and it’s equally fantastic when the weather warms up. Imagine taking this easily prepared chicken and salad to your next outdoor picnic, or enjoying it al fresco on your patio. Its versatility truly makes it a year-round winner.
For those unfamiliar, Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad is a meticulously crafted blend of kidney, garbanzo, green, and wax beans, thoughtfully accented with freshly diced onions and crisp red peppers. Its ready-to-serve goodness straight from the jar has made it one of their most beloved products. This colorful and delightfully delicious salad can effortlessly grace everything from elegant gourmet table settings to casual summer picnics, and all types of gatherings in between. It truly embodies convenience without compromising on quality or taste.
Find Paisley Farm products at a store near you, or shop online!
The Magic of Three Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredibly short ingredient list. All you need are your favorite BBQ sauce, some luscious apricot preserves, and, of course, the chicken! You’re already two-thirds of the way to a fantastic meal just by having these two key sauce ingredients on hand. The quality of your BBQ sauce can certainly influence the final flavor, so feel free to choose a brand and style you love – whether it’s smoky, spicy, or classic sweet. The apricot preserves then add that unmistakable fruity sweetness and a lovely glossy finish.
On a lighter note, I once had a hilarious incident when preparing this recipe. I don’t know what kind of magical allure that jar of apricot preserves held, but it brought my “dynamic duo” (my dogs) running into the kitchen in full-on beg mode! They’ve certainly never had an apricot before, so I couldn’t explain their sudden interest, but it was a sure sign the recipe would be a success. I hadn’t even gotten the chicken out yet!
Preparing the glaze is as simple as stirring the apricot preserves and BBQ sauce together in a small bowl until well combined. Set this luscious mixture aside while you prepare your chicken. For baking, place the chicken tenderloins on a wire rack that sits atop a foil-lined baking sheet. This setup allows for even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization. Bake the chicken for 10 minutes, then flip each piece and generously brush with the apricot BBQ glaze. Continue baking, flipping, and basting at intervals to build up layers of sticky, flavorful glaze.
For the grand finale, the last round of cooking involves a quick broil. This crucial step caramelizes the glaze, creating a wonderfully sticky, slightly charred exterior that locks in all the sweet and savory flavors. Keep a close eye on the chicken during broiling to prevent burning, as glazes can caramelize quickly. The result will be tender, juicy chicken with a gorgeous, irresistible crust.
Once perfectly cooked, serve your Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken piping hot over a mound of fragrant Basmati rice, garnished with a generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Add a vibrant side of Paisley Farm Four Bean Salad, and dinner is not just easy, it’s done – and done deliciously! This meal comes together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a fantastic homemade dinner with your loved ones.
When cooking chicken, confidence in its doneness is key to both taste and safety. Eliminate all guesswork with the right tool! This Thermapen Mk4 is, without a doubt, the best instant-read meat thermometer I have ever owned. It provides accurate readings in mere seconds, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked every time – tender, juicy, and safe to eat. A good thermometer is an invaluable investment for any home cook.
More Easy Meal Inspiration & Paisley Farm Pairings
Beyond the Four Bean Salad, Paisley Farm offers a range of delicious products that can elevate your weeknight meals. For more inventive ways to incorporate Paisley Farm into your cooking or to discover other quick and easy recipes that pair well with their offerings, here are some fantastic ideas from my blog:
For more delicious recipes and to explore the full range of high-quality products from Paisley Farm, make sure to visit their official website. You can also stay up-to-date with their latest offerings, culinary inspirations, and community by following them on social media: connect with them on FaceBook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the kitchen and make some truly unforgettable Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken!
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Print Recipe
Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken
Equipment
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
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Baking sheet
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Wire rack
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Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins (or chicken breast strips)
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basmati rice for serving
- Cilantro fresh, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then place a wire rack on top of the foil. Lightly spray the wire rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
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Gently brush the chicken tenderloins with a thin layer of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This initial seasoning helps build a foundational flavor.
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Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer on the prepared wire rack. Transfer the baking sheet to the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes.
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While the chicken is baking, combine the apricot preserves and BBQ sauce in a small bowl and stir until smooth to create your glaze.
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After the initial 10 minutes, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Flip each chicken tenderloin over and brush one side generously with the apricot BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
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Remove the baking sheet again, flip the chicken once more, and brush the other side with the glaze. Bake for a final 10 minutes. At this point, the chicken should be nearly cooked through, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer like the Thermapen Mk4.
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For a beautifully caramelized finish, turn your oven to the broil setting (typically high). Keep the pan in the center of the oven. Brush any remaining sauce onto the chicken and broil for 1-2 minutes until the glaze becomes sticky and slightly charred. Watch carefully, as broiler temperatures vary, and glazes can burn quickly. Flip the chicken and broil the other side for another 1-2 minutes to achieve even caramelization.
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Remove from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately over warm Basmati rice, garnished with a dusting of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your easy and delicious Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken!
Nutrition
Discover Even More Easy Weeknight Meal Inspiration Right Here!
If you loved this simple Apricot BBQ Glazed Chicken, you’re in luck! My blog is packed with countless other ideas and recipes designed to make your weeknight dinners exciting, effortless, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for quick meal prep, family-friendly options, or new ways to use your favorite pantry staples, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to keep your menu fresh and your taste buds happy. Explore some of my popular collections below for more culinary adventures!