Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glazed Chicken Thighs

If you're looking for the perfect chicken dish for summer, look no further. This Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glazed Chicken Thigh recipe is one for the books!

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Summer Just Got a Little Sweeter

It doesn't get much better than juicy, tender chicken thighs and this recipe yields the most delicious chicken! With homemade Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze, this delicious chicken recipe comes together in under two hours and is so easy to make. I love this recipe because the apricot glaze is the perfect balance of just sweet enough without being overpowering. Plus, the added hint of spice adds a nice bite of heat to the dish! The chicken thighs are not just glazed with this delicious apricot sauce but also marinated in it, so each bite is packed with wonderful flavor.

This dish is great on it's own with a bit of freshly chopped parsley, and also the perfect entree to serve up for your next BBQ. Some of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside these glazed chicken thighs include grilled vegetables, fresh pineapple, or just brown rice!

How To Make the Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze

Want to know a secret? The apricot glaze is so much easier to make than you would think! If you've never worked with apricots, you'll be shocked by how easily the fruit separates from the pit. All you have to do is cut the apricot in half, and the pit comes right out! We'll be using four cups of halved and pitted apricots for this recipe, but it only takes about 10 minutes to remove the pits from all of the apricots. Then, place the halved and pitted apricots in a large bowl, and lightly season them with lemon juice, cinnamon, and a dash of salt. The combination of lemon juice and cinnamon here will help bring out the natural flavors of the apricots, without overly sweetening them. Roast the apricots for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees until golden and tender. Allow the apricots to cool for 10 minutes before placing them in a food processor with a tablespoon of lemon juice and blending for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Then, transfer the apricot sauce to a medium sized saucepan. 

Turn the heat to medium and add the cane and brown sugar. Once the sauce begins to bubble, reduce the heat to low. Then, add the chili garlic paste, coconut amino acids or gluten-free tamari, a drizzle of honey, and the seasonings. Stir the sauce occasionally for 10 minutes, then allow the apricot glaze to simmer for 10 minutes uncovered. After 10 minutes, remove the apricot glaze from the heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. 

Juicy & Tender Chicken

To prepare the chicken, start by allowing the chicken thighs to come to room temperature. Then, pat each chicken thigh dry with a paper towel and place them in a large bowl. Next, season the thighs with olive oil, a bit of honey, garlic pepper, paprika, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. 

Now add half a cup of the glazed apricot sauce to the bowl with the chicken thighs. Use metal tongs to move the chicken thighs around to evenly coat them in the sauce. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30-45 minutes. After the allotted time, place the chicken thighs on a prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. You can also grill the chicken thighs! Just grill the chicken on each side for 4 minutes on medium-high heat. 

Once the Chicken has Cooked...

After the chicken has cooked, add a spoonful of the apricot glaze to the top oFor each chicken thigh, sprinkle with seasoning for that perfect flavor boost. Next, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of freshness. Finally, serve warm alongside your favorite side dish and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors!

Wondering what to pair with this tasty chicken dish? You really can't go wrong with anything you pick, as the possibilities are endless! Some of my favorites include:

• Brown rice or couscous for a hearty base that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Grilled vegetables like red onions, zucchini, or bell peppers, which not only add vibrant colors but also enhance the meal with their smoky goodness.
• Fresh or grilled pineapple that brings a sweet and tangy contrast, creating a refreshing bite with every forkful.
• A fresh arugula salad that provides a crisp, peppery element, balancing the richness of the chicken perfectly.

If you like this recipe, remember to follow The Bottomless Pit to stay updated on other delicious gluten-free recipes! And if you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts—just drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you!