Easy Apricot Chicken Recipe – Classic Aussie Comfort

Some dinners feel like a hug you can put on a plate. For me, that’s apricot chicken: tender pieces of chicken in a glossy, sweet-savory sauce that perfumes the whole house and brings everyone to the table without being called twice.

This apricot chicken recipe is my polished, weeknight-friendly version of the Australian classic deeply flavourful, not too sweet, and easy enough to cook on autopilot after a long day.

If you grew up with the Tupperware-era tray bake (packet soup + apricot nectar + chicken) you’ll recognise the spirit here, but I’ve rebalanced the sauce and given you choices: stick with the beloved pantry “cheeky recipe” or go all-real-food with apricot jam/preserves and a simple homemade onion mix. Either way, the result is exactly what you want from an australian chicken recipe family-friendly, economical, and downright comforting.

In this guide you’ll learn how to make apricot chicken step by step, the best cuts to use, how to avoid common pitfalls (too sweet, too salty, sauce too thin), and easy make-ahead and slow-cooker options. Whether you searched for “apricot chicken recipe easy,” “traditional apricot chicken recipe,” or “australian apricot chicken recipe,” this is the keeper you’ll print and cook on repeat. By the end you’ll know exactly why so many readers say this is their forever apricot chicken recipe.

What Is Apricot Chicken (And Why We Love It)

Apricot chicken is a modest wonder of Australian recipes: browned chicken gently baked or simmered in a sauce of apricot, onion, and savoury notes until glossy and tender. The dish burst into popularity in the ’70s and ’80s because it was quick, tasty, and used supermarket staples. At its best, the sauce balances creamy tang and sunny fruit with umami depth; at its worst, it leans cloying or salty. This recipe threads the needle with a few smart choices:

• Browning first for flavour and colour.
• Balanced sauce: apricot + stock + a touch of vinegar/soy for savoury backbone.
• Gentle bake so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce thickens naturally.
• Finish with freshness (lemon, herbs, almonds) so each bite feels lively, not heavy.

If you’ve ever wondered, “why is apricot chicken good all recipes seem to adore?”—it’s the sweet-savory balance, the tender texture, and the way it practically makes its own gravy for rice or mash. Nothing fussy, just reliable satisfaction.

Why This Apricot Chicken Recipe Works

• Choice of paths: the classic “packet + nectar” route or a from-scratch sauce—both tested and included.
• Right ratios: enough apricot to taste like apricot, but buffered with stock and aromatics so it’s savoury first, sweet second.
• Juicy chicken: thighs or bone-in legs withstand oven heat; breasts option included with timing tweaks.
• Glossy finish without loads of cream: a spoon of butter at the end (optional) and a quick cornflour slurry if you like it thicker.
• Scalable: doubles neatly for crowds or meal prep.
• Flexible: oven, stovetop, or slow cooker—the flavour holds up whichever way you go.

I’ve cooked this apricot chicken recipe on rinse-and-repeat weeknights and for special family dinners, and it never fails me.

A Little Story: Nan’s “Cheeky Recipe” and the Sunday Swap

When I was a kid, Sundays meant Nan’s house and a half-dozen aunties debating the “proper” way to make apricot chicken.

Nan was loyal to the cheeky packet version; my mum insisted on jam and real onions. After lunch we’d pack leftovers in margarine tubs for the neighbours (classic Australia), and without fail the apricot chicken recipe tubs came back first with a note: “Swap for more?” That weekly swap taught me two things, this dish is neighbour-making food, and there’s no wrong way to love it as long as the sauce is balanced and the chicken is tender.

Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

Chicken Cuts

• Thigh fillets (boneless, skinless): juicy and forgiving; my default.
• Bone-in thighs or drumsticks: best flavour; increase cook time 10–15 minutes.
• Breast fillets: leaner; see timing tweaks below to avoid dryness.

Apricot Element (Choose One)

• Apricot nectar (375–400 ml): classic pantry choice for the traditional version.
• Apricot jam or preserves (½ cup / 160 g) + water/stock (1 cup / 250 ml): richer fruit taste; I prefer “fruit first” jams with less sugar.
• Canned apricot halves (400 g tin) + syrup (¼ cup) + stock (¾ cup): chunkier, very family-friendly.
• Fresh apricots (in season, 6–8): slice and cook 5 minutes before baking to release juices.

Savoury Backbone

• French onion soup mix (1 packet): the classic “cheeky recipe” booster.
• OR Homemade onion blend: 2 tsp onion powder + 1 tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp paprika + ½ tsp dried thyme + ½ tsp celery salt + pinch white pepper.
• Soy sauce or Worcestershire (1–2 tsp): umami balance.
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (1–2 tsp): lifts the sweetness.
• Chicken stock (½–1 cup): stretches the sauce without watering down flavour.

Aromatics & Bonuses

• Brown onion (1 large), sliced
• Garlic (2 cloves), minced
• Ginger (1 tsp), grated (optional, lovely with apricot)
• Cornflour/cornstarch (1–2 tsp) + water: thicken if desired.
• Butter (1 tbsp): glossy finish.
• To finish: lemon zest, parsley, toasted almonds or sesame seeds.

With these building blocks you can tailor this apricot chicken recipe to what’s in your pantry and how sweet you like your sauce.

How to Make Apricot Chicken (Step by Step)

1. Season & sear. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat a large oven-safe pan (or Dutch oven) over medium-high with 1 tbsp oil. Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
2. Soften aromatics. Add a splash more oil if needed. Cook sliced onion for 5–6 minutes until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic (and ginger, if using) for 30 seconds.
3. Build the sauce.
   • Traditional: whisk apricot nectar with the packet soup mix; add to pan with ½ cup stock.
   • From-scratch: whisk jam/preserves with 1 cup stock, onion blend, soy/Worcestershire, and vinegar/lemon.
   Pour into the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to marry flavours.
4. Bake gently. Return chicken (and any juices) to the pan, turning to coat. Bake uncovered at 180°C fan (200°C conventional) until cooked through (see times below). Turn once halfway and baste.
5. Finish. If you want the sauce thicker, move the pan to the stovetop, bring to a simmer and stir in a slurry of 1 tsp cornflour + 1 tbsp cold water. Cook 1–2 minutes to glossy. Stir in butter. Taste; balance with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of stock if needed.
6. Serve. Scatter parsley and almonds, and spoon over steamed rice, couscous or creamy mash.

Cooking Times (Guides)

• Boneless thighs: 20–25 minutes
• Bone-in thighs/drumsticks: 35–40 minutes
• Breasts: 18–22 minutes (pull at 67–68°C internal; rest to 71°C)

These times keep your apricot chicken recipe juicy and perfectly glazed.

Variations You’ll Actually Cook

1) Traditional Apricot Chicken Recipe (3–4 Ingredients)

• 1 kg chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 375–400 ml apricot nectar
• 1 brown onion, sliced (optional but recommended)

Mix nectar and soup mix; pour over browned chicken and onion; bake until tender. It’s the original cheeky recipe and still a weeknight winner.

2) “Fresh Fruit” Australian Apricot Chicken Recipe

Use halved fresh apricots (in season) with stock and a spoon of honey; add thyme sprigs and finish with lemon zest. This tastes like sunshine and makes a beautiful summer australian chicken recipe.

3) Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken

Add everything to a slow cooker (skip browning if you must, though flavour is better if you brown first). Cook LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours. Thicken with a cornflour slurry at the end. This apricot chicken recipe easy version is hands-off and fabulous for busy days.

4) Sheet-Pan Apricot Chicken & Veg

Toss cauliflower florets, sliced carrots and red onion with a little oil and salt on a tray. Nestle chicken pieces and spoon sauce over. Roast 30–40 minutes, basting once. One pan, minimal washing up.

5) Spicy Apricot Chicken

Add ½–1 tsp chilli flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a gentle kick that plays well with the fruit.

6) Lighter & Gluten-Free Options

Use low-sodium stock, a jam with less sugar, and tamari instead of soy. Thicken with cornflour and choose the from-scratch onion blend.

Each path keeps the heart of this apricot chicken recipe while letting you match your mood and pantry.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Reheating & Freezing

• Make-ahead: Mix sauce up to 3 days ahead; keep chilled. Marinate chicken in half the sauce up to 24 hours (pat dry before searing).
• Fridge: Cooked apricot chicken keeps 3–4 days in a sealed container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of stock so the sauce stays silky.
• Reheat: Stovetop over low heat, stirring, or in a 160°C oven covered, 12–15 minutes.

What to Serve with Apricot Chicken

• Starches: steamed jasmine rice, buttery couscous, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Vegetables: green beans with lemon, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad (rocket + cucumber + almonds).
• Garnishes: toasted slivered almonds or sesame seeds, parsley or coriander (cilantro), lemon wedges.
• Drinks: crisp riesling or a light, fruity rosé; for non-alcoholic, try iced lemon barley or sparkling water with citrus.

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

• Too sweet? Add ½ tsp vinegar or lemon juice and a splash of stock. Salt to taste—salt counters sweetness.
• Too salty? Switch to low-sodium stock and soup mix next time; right now, stir in 2–3 tbsp unsalted tomato passata or a bit more apricot nectar to rebalance.
• Sauce too thin? Simmer a few minutes on the stovetop or add a small cornflour slurry.
• Sauce too thick? Loosen with warm stock or water, a tablespoon at a time.
• Pale chicken? Brown properly at the start; colour equals flavour.
• Dry breasts? Pull them early (67–68°C), rest under foil; the carry-over heat finishes them.

These tips make the difference between good and “please make that again” apricot chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A great apricot chicken recipe doesn’t need a dozen fancy steps just good browning, a balanced sauce, and gentle cooking. This version honours the traditional apricot chicken recipe we grew up with while giving you the tools to adjust sweetness, salt and texture to your taste.

Use nectar and a packet when life’s busy; use jam and spices when you crave the from-scratch vibe. Either way, you’ll get tender chicken and a glossy, sunny sauce that feels like dinner at Nan’s—only better.

Print it, bookmark it, and teach it to the next cook in your house. Some classics are worth keeping, and this australian apricot chicken recipe is one of them.