Two-part recipe title image for Apricot Dijon Chicken Thighs. The top photo shows a glazed chicken thigh on a mint-green ceramic plate, garnished with fresh parsley leaves, the skin caramelized to a deep amber with charred spots. Below the bold text title, the bottom image features a white ramekin filled with chunky apricot-dijon sauce garnished with parsley, showcasing the sauce's golden color and texture against a rustic white wooden background

Apricot Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe Everyone Will Love

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Looking for a chicken recipe that’s comforting and full of flavor? Apricot Dijon chicken thighs are the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with tender chicken coated in a sticky, tangy glaze. This dish is easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for a dinner party.

With just a few pantry staples, you can have it ready in under an hour. Golden-brown chicken thighs bake in a caramelized apricot-Dijon sauce that’s sure to wow. Hungry yet? Keep reading to learn how to make this delicious dish!

Plated apricot-dijon chicken thighs on a sage green ceramic plate, garnished with fresh parsley leaves. A white ramekin of golden apricot-dijon sauce sits alongside the chicken. The thighs show perfect caramelization with dark charred spots and a glossy glaze, while resting in their natural juices. The composition is styled on a light wooden surface with a fork visible at the edge

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these apricot Dijon chicken thighs, here’s what you’ll need. Some substitutions are suggested for flexibility based on what you have on hand.

For the chicken:

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the glaze:

  • ⅔ cup apricot preserves (feel free to substitute peach or even orange marmalade)
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for a spicier kick, use whole grain mustard)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or substitute white vinegar or lemon juice)
  • Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your new go-to chicken recipe.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Raw seasoned chicken thighs arranged on white paper towels atop a stainless steel oven displaying 375°F. Three small ceramic bowls of seasonings sit in the background near a window with soft natural light. The chicken shows a yellow-gold marinade coating, and the arrangement demonstrates the preparation stage before cooking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Close-up macro shot of a single chicken thigh in a black skillet, showing crispy, golden-brown skin glistening with apricot-dijon glaze. Small bubbles of cooking liquid surround the perfectly caramelized chicken. The skin shows a deep amber color with visible specks of seasoning, capturing the juicy texture in sharp detail

Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

A wooden spoon stirring rich apricot-dijon sauce in a cast iron skillet. The amber-colored sauce is flecked with minced garlic cloves and has a glossy sheen. A cookbook titled 'simple cooking' sits on a wooden cutting board in the background. The sauce shows a luxurious, smooth texture with visible pieces of garlic scattered throughout

Lower the heat to medium and, in the same skillet, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

A wooden spoon drizzling golden apricot-dijon sauce over glazed chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet. Eight chicken thighs are arranged in the pan, their skin glistening with a rich, caramelized glaze. The thin stream of sauce catches the light as it drips from the spoon, highlighting the glossy finish on the perfectly browned chicken below

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon the glaze generously over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Broil and Garnish

Overhead shot of caramelized apricot-dijon chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet. The chicken pieces display a rich golden-brown color with darker charred spots, surrounded by savory pan juices. A fresh sprig of thyme adds a vibrant green accent across the center. The skin appears crispy and glazed, with the sauce creating a glossy finish that catches the light

For a slightly caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes on high heat, watching closely to avoid burning. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

  1. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs: These stay juicier and crispier compared to boneless, skinless cuts.
  2. Avoid overcrowding: Make sure the thighs have enough space in the skillet; this ensures even browning and cooking.
  3. Don’t skip the sear: Browning the chicken before roasting locks in flavor and creates those irresistible crispy edges.
  4. Adjust glaze sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the apricot preserves slightly and add an extra teaspoon of mustard or vinegar.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on six servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 24g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Sugar: 15g

Please note that exact values may vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

What to Serve with Apricot Dijon Chicken Thighs

Pair your sweet-and-savory masterpiece with side dishes that balance or complement its flavors:

  • Mashed potatoes: Creamy and rich, they’re perfect for soaking up the extra glaze.
  • Roasted vegetables: Try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a colorful, healthy addition.
  • Rice or quinoa: The grains will absorb the sauce and add a satisfying base.
  • Simple leafy salad: A fresh, light salad with a vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the chicken.

Try This Recipe Tonight

Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully satisfying, these apricot Dijon chicken thighs are destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of flavors is unbeatable, and the recipe is so forgiving that you can tweak it based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish brings a touch of comfort and flair to the table. Take the plunge and try this recipe tonight—you’ll love every bite!

Have questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear how your apricot Dijon chicken thighs turned out!

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