Apricot-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs
In short: Bone-in chicken thighs baked under a sticky glaze of apricot jam, mustard, garlic and vinegar. Sweet, sharp and almost no effort. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 460 kcal
Apricot jam turns into a lacquered, slightly tart glaze when it meets a hot oven, and it clings to chicken thighs better than almost any other sweetener. Mustard, garlic and vinegar keep it savory rather than sugary. The prep takes ten minutes, and the glaze is brushed on twice for a deep color. Serve with rice and a simple green vegetable, and use the extra sauce on the plate.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a rimmed baking tray with foil and lightly oil the foil.
- Pat the thighs dry. Rub them with the oil, salt, pepper and paprika, and place them skin side up on the tray.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, warm the jam, mustard, garlic, vinegar and ginger in a small saucepan over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring, until loose and smooth.
- Brush half the glaze over the thighs and bake for 10 minutes. Brush on the rest and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the skin is sticky and browned and the meat reads at least 74°C (165°F) near the bone.
- Rest for 5 minutes, scatter with parsley and serve with any glaze that has dripped onto the tray.
Tips
- Apply the glaze only in the second half of cooking. Jam burns quickly in a hot oven, and a foil-lined tray makes cleanup easier.
- Peach, orange or plum jam work if you do not have apricot. Choose one with fruit pieces for a chunkier glaze.
Questions and answers
Can I use drumsticks or boneless thighs?
Yes. Drumsticks take about the same time. Boneless thighs need 25 to 30 minutes in total, so brush on the first half of the glaze after 12 minutes.
Can I make apricot chicken ahead of time?
Bake it fully, cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes so the glaze softens again.
What should I serve with apricot chicken?
Plain rice, couscous or roasted potatoes work well, with green beans or a crisp salad on the side.
How long does it take to make Apricot-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs?
About 55 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Apricot-Glazed Baked Chicken Thighs?
About 460 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 22 g of carbohydrates and 27 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 460 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 27 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 19 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
