Apricot Chicken

Some weeknights are too busy even for Chinese takeout. We’ve all been there—your work meeting ran late, you forgot to meal plan and the kids need to leave for soccer practice in an hour. What’s a parent to do? Turn to one of our favorite microwave recipes: apricot chicken.

This quick and simple Chinese-inspired recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and is prepared entirely in the microwave. Quick-cooking ingredients like thinly sliced chicken breasts and green peppers make prepping this apricot chicken recipe a breeze. Plus, flavorful ingredients like soy sauce, ginger and apricot preserves magically transform into a sweet and sticky sauce reminiscent of your favorite orange chicken recipe.

Serve this microwave apricot-glazed chicken over a bed of steamed instant rice, lo mein noodles or a big bowl of tender ramen (here are the best instant ramen brands).

Ingredients for Apricot Chicken

• Apricot preserves: Not just for morning toast, jams and preserves can be used to make a whole host of yummy sauces for the dinner table too. For this chicken apricot recipe, use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade apricot jam if you have it on hand.
• Soy sauce: To keep the sodium levels down, we recommend using a low-sodium variety of soy sauce. For a gluten-free apricot chicken recipe, opt for tamari instead.
• Chicken broth: Chicken broth flavors the sauce while providing the necessary moisture to cook the chicken and thin the sauce to the proper consistency. Cooking sherry may also be used for more depth.
• Canola oil: With its mild taste, canola oil gives the sauce body without impacting the sauce’s flavor.
• Cornstarch: Just as in our favorite sweet and sour chicken, cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce for this chicken apricot recipe.
• Ginger and garlic: Simple is best here. Ground ginger and fresh minced garlic flavor the sauce and make it wonderfully aromatic. Fresh ginger may be used instead if you keep it stocked in your pantry.
• Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are sliced thin to cook up quickly in the microwave. You could use chicken thighs if you prefer. However, thighs tend to need a slightly longer cook time to cook fully.
• Green pepper: Tender-crisp green peppers add color and mild pepper flavor to apricot chicken recipes. Feel free to swap in another colored bell pepper, such as red or orange, if you prefer their taste.
• Cashews: This apricot-glazed chicken has a wonderful crunch thanks to a handful of nutty, salted cashews. Peanuts may be used instead if you don’t have cashews available.
• Cooked rice: Serve this easy apricot chicken over a bed of hot fluffy steamed rice. Here’s how to make white rice taste better, according to chefs.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: This optional ingredient is great for those who want to add a little heat. You could also add a drizzle of Sriracha sauce or spicy chili crisp just before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the sauce and add the chicken

In a shallow microwave-safe dish, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, chicken broth, canola oil, cornstarch, garlic and ginger. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and microwave on high for three minutes, stirring once.

Editor’s Tip: For a smooth apricot chicken sauce that thickens properly, make sure to thoroughly whisk the cornstarch with the other ingredients until the mixture is lump-free.

Step 2: Add the green pepper and cashews

Add the green pepper and cashews, then cover and microwave on high for two to four minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring once. Let it stand for three minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test the apricot chicken. When it registers 165°F, it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 3: Serve the apricot chicken recipe

Serve the chicken with hot steamed rice. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Add more veggies: For added color and nutrition, add other vegetables to apricot chicken recipes. Consider snow pea pods, fresh broccoli florets, sliced carrots or other favorite vegetable stir-fry ingredients.
• Try apricot pork: For a protein twist, you can make this apricot-glazed chicken recipe with pork instead (like this apricot-glazed pork tenderloin). Cut a pork tenderloin into 1-inch pieces, then cook to an internal temperature of 150°.
• Make apricot meatballs: You can swap in your favorite frozen meatballs for the chicken. Thaw the meatballs completely and then prepare the recipe as directed.
• Sweeten it with pineapple: Add a can of drained pineapple chunks to the chicken apricot recipe when you add the green pepper and cashews.

How to Store Apricot Chicken

Apricot chicken makes a wonderful make-ahead choice for meal prep. Store portions in airtight food storage containers and keep them refrigerated.

How long does apricot chicken last?

Apricot-glazed chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for three or four days.

Can you freeze apricot chicken?

This quick and easy microwave apricot chicken recipe makes a terrific freezer meal. Store in freezer-safe food storage containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.

How do you reheat apricot chicken?

Reheat the chicken apricot recipe in a covered microwave-safe container until heated through. Alternatively, you may warm this apricot chicken recipe on the stovetop in a skillet until steaming.

Apricot Chicken Tips

DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you make apricot chicken on the stovetop?

While we love a quick microwave dinner, this apricot chicken recipe can also be prepared on the stovetop (like our favorite orange chicken stir-fry). Whisk together the first seven ingredients in a glass measuring cup and set aside. Then, in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until no longer pink. Add the peppers and cashews, and cook for one to two minutes until the peppers start to soften. Reduce the heat to medium, add the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Serve hot with rice and chili flakes, if desired.

What can you serve with apricot chicken?

This 15-minute apricot chicken can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or as part of a larger spread. Start with a platter of copycat P.F. Chang’s lettuce wraps or easy egg rolls as an appetizer, then round out your main course with a side of Chinese scallion pancakes and a ginger-sesame steamed vegetable salad.

Can I make apricot chicken with other fruit preserves?

If you don’t enjoy the taste of apricots, you could experiment with other fruit preserves. Orange marmalade would be a nice alternative; otherwise, peach or pineapple preserves would also pair nicely with the soy sauce, ginger and garlic in the recipe.