Best Apricot Chicken With Balsamic Vinegar Recipes

Apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar is a dish that combines the sweetness of apricots with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, resulting in a delightful burst of flavors. This dish has become increasingly popular in the last few years and is now a popular choice amongst foodies all around the world.

Overview of Apricot Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar Recipes:

The basic recipe for apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar is simple; all you need is chicken, apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and some seasoning. The chicken is first marinated in a mixture of the aforementioned ingredients and then cooked until tender.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Brush the apricot-balsamic mixture over the chicken breasts, reserving some for later.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes.
8. Drizzle the remaining apricot-balsamic mixture over the chicken and serve hot.

Variations:

While the basic recipe for apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar is delicious on its own, there are several ways to tweak the recipe to suit your own tastes. Here are a few variations:

1. Jalapeno Apricot Chicken:

Add diced jalapeno pepper to the apricot-balsamic mixture for a spicy kick.

2. Apple Apricot Chicken:

Replace the apricot preserves with apple preserves for a slightly different flavor.

3. Coconut Apricot Chicken:

Add some unsweetened coconut flakes to the apricot-balsamic mixture for a tropical twist.

Conclusion:

Apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar is a dish that has gained massive popularity in recent years. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of apricots with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, resulting in a burst of flavors that is hard to replicate in any other dish. While the basic recipe is simple and easy to prepare, there are several ways to tweak the recipe to suit your own tastes. You can add in various ingredients such as jalapeno, apple or coconut flakes to give the recipe a unique flavor.

Apricots and balsamic vinegar are a fantastic combination of flavors that complement each other so well. When combined with chicken, this dish becomes a delicious and satisfying meal. Creating an apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar recipe may seem challenging, especially if you are not used to working with these ingredients. However, with proper planning and some easy-to-follow tips, you can create an amazing dish that everyone will love.

1. Preparing and cooking the chicken:

Before cooking, rinse the chicken and pat it dry using paper towels. This step is essential, as it helps to remove bacteria and other impurities that may be present on the surface of the meat. To add flavor to the chicken, season it with salt and pepper or any other seasoning of your choice. Next, cook the chicken in a hot skillet over high heat until golden brown on all sides. This will take about 2-3 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the chicken rather than brown it. If you’re cooking a lot of chicken, cook it in batches. Always make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking its internal temperature, which should be 165°F (75°C).

2. Preparing the apricot sauce:

Making the apricot sauce is an essential component of this recipe. First, use fresh, ripe apricots. Cut them in half, remove the pit, and slice them into small pieces. In a saucepan, combine the sliced apricots, balsamic vinegar, and a sweetener such as honey. Next, add water or chicken broth to the mixture and cook over medium heat until the apricots are soft and the sauce has thickened. Then, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mixture until it is smooth. Taste the sauce and add more sweetness or tartness to adjust the flavor.

3. Creating a glaze:

To create a glaze for your chicken, brush the apricot sauce onto the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. The sauce will caramelize and form a delicious glaze on the surface of the chicken. To make a thicker glaze, reduce the sauce in the pan until it becomes syrupy before brushing it onto the chicken.

4. Adding complementary flavors:

While apricot and balsamic vinegar are delicious on their own, adding complementary flavors can take this dish to the next level. Garlic, ginger, orange zest, and thyme are all great options. Sauté minced garlic and ginger in the same skillet as the chicken before adding the apricot sauce. You can also add a touch of orange zest to the sauce to brighten up the flavors. Lastly, adding fresh thyme leaves to the sauce or scattering them over the finished dish will provide an aromatic, earthy flavor.

5. Accompaniments:

Pair this dish with side dishes that complement the flavors of the chicken. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans work well, as do mashed sweet potatoes or brown rice. This can make the meal more substantial and give you a good variety of nutrients.

6. Storage:

Store any leftover apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

Apricot chicken with balsamic vinegar is an easy and delicious dish to make that everyone will adore. By following these simple tips, you can create a flavorful and impressive meal. Always make sure you use high-quality, fresh ingredients, and experiment with different complementary flavors to create your unique variation of this classic dish.