Experience the ultimate weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy and flavorful Instant Pot Apricot Chicken with Apricot Jam. Requiring only 5 simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a sweet and savory masterpiece, perfect served over a fluffy bed of rice. Whether you own an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, or another pressure cooker, this dish is designed for quick preparation and maximum flavor, proving that delicious family meals don’t have to break the bank or demand hours in the kitchen.
If you’re constantly searching for a meal that delights both adults and children, this pressure cooker apricot chicken is your answer. Imagine succulent, tender chicken enveloped in a luscious, sweet, and tangy apricot sauce, all cooked to perfection in a single pot. It’s no wonder this quickly became one of our top Instant Pot recipes, making weeknight dinners a breeze and incredibly delicious. This dish promises a harmonious blend of flavors that will satisfy everyone at your table.
Apricot Glazed Chicken: A Family Favorite
Have you ever experienced the magic of apricot glazed chicken? It’s truly phenomenal. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a meal your family will consistently request. With a delightful sweetness that’s perfectly balanced—never overwhelming—it caters to those with a sweet tooth while offering a satisfying, savory depth. Beyond its incredible taste, it’s remarkably cost-effective, allowing you to feed a hungry crowd without straining your budget. Prepare for requests for second helpings!
For those new to pressure cooking, fear not! This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible. You can effortlessly prepare this dish using any electric pressure cooker you might have on hand, whether it’s an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, a Mealthy Pot, or even a Crockpot Express. Simply gather your ingredients from the grocery store, or easily adapt it for frozen chicken, and you’ll be on your way to a fantastic meal in no time. Its versatility and simplicity make it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients for the Best Apricot Chicken
The beauty of this apricot chicken recipe lies in its minimal yet impactful ingredients. With just five core components, you create a dish bursting with flavor that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to prepare. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe truly special:
- The Signature Sauce Base: Catalina or French Salad Dressing
The secret to the sauce’s unique tang and sweetness often comes from French or Catalina salad dressing. These dressings provide a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes, creating an ideal foundation for our apricot glaze. If you can’t find these specific types, a similar sweet and tangy tomato-based dressing could work, though it might alter the final flavor profile slightly. - Sweetness and Fruitiness: Apricot Jam
Paired with the dressing is the star ingredient: apricot jam. This provides the vibrant fruity flavor and rich sweetness that defines the dish. It melts into a glossy, irresistible sauce that coats every piece of chicken. While apricot jam is highly recommended, if unavailable, peach preserves or orange marmalade can be used as alternatives, though they will, of course, introduce a slightly different fruity nuance. For an even more homemade touch, you could even make your own apricot jam. - Protein Power: Boneless, Skinless Chicken
For quick cooking and easy eating, chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces are ideal. Boneless, skinless chicken ensures the meat cooks quickly and evenly, soaking up all the delicious sauce. If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used interchangeably; they tend to be even more forgiving and remain incredibly tender under pressure. Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces to promote even cooking. - Liquid Foundation: Chicken Broth
A little liquid is essential in pressure cooking to create steam and prevent scorching. Chicken broth or stock is preferred over water as it adds an extra layer of savory depth to the sauce. Using broth helps to thin the sauce just enough without diluting the flavor, and it’s crucial to prevent the “burn” notice that some pressure cookers might display if there isn’t enough liquid. - Flavor Enhancer: Onion Soup Mix
To elevate the savory profile and add a hint of herbaceousness, a packet of Onion soup mix is incorporated. This small addition brings a complex, umami flavor, similar to what you’d find in that famous onion dip, complementing the sweet apricot notes beautifully. It’s a convenient way to add a significant boost of flavor without needing a multitude of individual spices.
For those looking to customize, optional additions include a freshly sliced or diced onion, which adds a subtle sweetness and texture. If you desire a thicker sauce right from the start, a small amount of cornstarch can be added later in the cooking process, though often the sauce thickens naturally as it cools.
Flavorful Substitutions and Creative Variations
While the classic apricot chicken recipe is fantastic, don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and variations to tailor it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Jam Alternatives
The core sweetness and fruit flavor come from the jam. If apricot jam isn’t available or you’re looking for a slightly different profile, orange marmalade is an excellent choice. It will create a dish that’s reminiscent of our popular Instant Pot orange chicken recipe, offering a brighter, citrusy note. You could also try peach preserves for a similar stone fruit sweetness.
Adding a Kick
For those who enjoy a little heat, introducing a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha can add an exciting spicy contrast to the sweet sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spice.
Balancing Sweetness
If you find the sauce a little too sweet for your palate, a splash of soy sauce can help to cut through the richness and add an umami depth. This simple addition can subtly transform the flavor, creating a more complex savory-sweet balance.
Adding Vegetables
Turn this into a one-pot meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables. Broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or snap peas can be stirred in after the pressure cooking cycle, during the sauté phase when you thicken the sauce. They’ll cook quickly in the hot sauce, retaining a pleasant crisp-tender texture.
Cooking Apricot Chicken with Frozen Chicken
Life gets busy, and sometimes you only have frozen chicken on hand. Luckily, you can still enjoy this delicious apricot chicken! While you won’t be able to cut frozen chicken into small pieces beforehand, a slightly modified approach works perfectly for frozen chicken in the Instant Pot:
- Place whole frozen chicken breasts (or thighs) and the chicken broth into your pressure cooker.
- Seal the lid and steam valve, then cook on high pressure for 12 minutes for average-sized breasts. Larger pieces may need a minute or two more.
- Once cooked, perform a quick release of pressure.
- Carefully remove the chicken, drain any excess liquid, and shred the meat using two forks or a stand mixer.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode.
- Add the apricot jam, Catalina/French dressing, and onion soup mix. Stir everything together.
- Allow the sauce to bubble gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If you want it thicker, prepare a cornstarch slurry (as described below) and add it in.
- Serve immediately over rice or your favorite side!
This method takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish (excluding the pressure build-up time), making it an excellent option for those busy nights. Pair it with a quick batch of Ninja Foodi white rice or steamed broccoli for a complete and healthy meal. We often enjoy it as chicken bowls with a side of green vegetables.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
One of the beauties of this Instant Pot apricot chicken is its versatile sauce. While it will naturally thicken a bit as it cools, you might prefer a richer, more viscous consistency. Here’s how to easily thicken your apricot chicken sauce to perfection:
Using a Cornstarch Slurry
At the end of the pressure cooking cycle, if you find the sauce thinner than desired, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and whisk until completely smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
Next, set your pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function. Once the liquid in the pot begins to simmer and bubble, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to stir gently for 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce gradually thickening to a beautiful, glossy consistency. Once thickened, turn off the sauté function and allow the pot to sit for at least 5 minutes; the sauce will continue to thicken as it rests.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
While this apricot chicken is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy white rice, don’t limit yourself! It’s incredibly versatile. Consider boiling egg noodles to al dente in a separate pot and then folding them into the finished chicken and sauce. There’s typically enough sauce to generously coat everything. This Instant Pot chicken recipe adapts beautifully to various sides:
- Classic White Rice: Always a winner for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier, fiber-rich alternative.
- Egg Noodles or Pasta: A comforting and hearty option.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a wonderful contrast to the tangy-sweet chicken.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent light and healthy accompaniments.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad can cut through the richness of the dish.
Remember that the nutritional information provided in the printable recipe below is automatically calculated and based on the ingredients listed. While it offers a good approximation, slight variations can occur depending on specific brands of jam, dressing, or the exact cut of chicken used. For the most accurate details, always refer to the nutritional labels of your specific ingredients. After trying this, you might also love our creamy pressure cooker chicken and rice recipe, which consistently delivers fantastic results!
Apricot Chicken Recipe
Pressure Cooker apricot chicken with apricot jam needs just 5 ingredients and is the perfect dinner atop a bed of rice! If you have an Instant Pot you’ve gotta’ try this!
Print Recipe
Equipment
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1 pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken, boneless, skinless breasts, cut into bite size pcs.
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 1 cup Catalina salad dressing, or French
- 2/3 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, sliced or diced
- 1 packet French onion soup mix, 1 oz
- 3 tbsp cornstarch, to thicken, optional
Instructions
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Add all ingredients except cornstarch into your pressure cooker. Stir together well to ensure everything is coated.
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Close the lid and steam valve, then set your pressure cooker to high pressure for 4 minutes.
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Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
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Turn the pot off, then select the “Sauté” function. In a separate small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of hot liquid taken directly from your pot. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.
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Once the liquid in your pot begins to bubble on sauté mode, pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot while stirring continuously.
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Continue to stir slowly for 1-2 minutes; the sauce will begin to thicken slightly. Then, turn the pot off.
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Allow the chicken to sit in the pot for at least 5 minutes to allow the sauce to continue thickening to its ideal consistency. Serve hot over rice or your preferred side!
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 4oz, Calories: 566kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 30g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 113mg, Sodium: 733mg, Potassium: 363mg, Sugar: 28g, Vitamin A: 290IU, Vitamin C: 9.1mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1.6mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe? Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Chicken
The calorie count for apricot chicken can vary based on serving size, specific ingredients, and preparation methods. In the printable recipe card above, we’ve included an estimated nutritional breakdown for your convenience. Keep in mind that using chicken thighs will generally result in higher fat content compared to lean white meat chicken breasts. Additionally, different brands of apricot jam and salad dressings can have varying sugar and fat levels, so for the most accurate calculations, always refer to the nutritional labels of the products you use.
While this recipe doesn’t typically include whole or sliced fresh apricots, it earns its name from the generous use of apricot preserves or jam in the sauce. This sweet and fruity jam is what imparts the distinct apricot flavor and creates that wonderful glaze that coats the chicken. The apricot flavor is infused directly into the meat, resulting in a dish that tastes wonderfully like apricots. Of course, if you enjoy fresh fruit, you could certainly add chunks of sliced apricots towards the end of the cooking process for added texture and a burst of fresh flavor, just be mindful they might soften considerably if added too early.
The “Burn” notice on an Instant Pot typically appears when there isn’t enough thin liquid at the bottom of the pot or when thicker sauces are directly exposed to the heating element without sufficient separation. To prevent this, ensure you always have at least 1/2 cup to 1 cup of thin liquid (like chicken broth) in the pot. For this apricot chicken recipe, the chicken broth is crucial. Also, when adding thicker ingredients like jam or salad dressing, stir them well to combine with the chicken and broth, but try to avoid leaving thick sauces directly on the bottom. Deglazing the pot (scraping any bits from the bottom with a liquid after sautéing) before pressure cooking can also help.
Absolutely! This apricot chicken is fantastic for meal prep and stores wonderfully. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from the refrigerator, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight first, then reheat as usual, possibly adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
