🍗🍑🌰 Apricot-Almond Chicken 🍗🍑🌰
What is it?
Apricot-Almond Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds. It’s a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, making it a favorite among those who appreciate the richness of diverse tastes. The dish typically features boneless chicken breasts or thighs, apricot preserves, and almonds, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
History:
The history of Apricot-Almond Chicken is not as well-documented as some other dishes, but it likely originated in the United States. The combination of fruit and poultry has a long culinary tradition, with sweet and savory pairings being popular in various cuisines. Apricots and almonds are also ingredients used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, which might have influenced the creation of this dish.
Components:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This adds flavor to the chicken.
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Sear the Chicken: In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the apricot preserves and slivered almonds. Stir them together until the preserves have melted and the almonds are well combined.
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Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the apricot-almond sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Apricot-Almond Chicken hot.
Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Apricot-Almond Chicken is approximately 35-45 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and experience. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Enjoy your Apricot-Almond Chicken! 🍽️👨🍳👩🍳
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information related to Apricot-Almond Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
- Sugars: 15-20 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-4 grams
- Cholesterol: 65-80 mg
- Sodium: 400-500 mg
- Vitamin A: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
- Vitamin C: 10-15% of daily recommended intake
- Calcium: 4-6% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 10-12% of daily recommended intake
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates: The dish provides some carbohydrates from apricot preserves, contributing to energy levels.
- Sugars: The sugars come from the natural sweetness of apricots, so it’s not high in added sugars.
- Fiber: The fiber content comes from almonds and any whole ingredients used. Fiber aids in digestion.
- Fats: The dish contains moderate amounts of fats, including healthy unsaturated fats from almonds.
- Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content is relatively low if prepared with minimal added fats.
- Cholesterol: Chicken is a good source of protein with lower cholesterol compared to red meats.
- Vitamins: It provides vitamins like Vitamin A and C, important for immune health and vision.
- Minerals: It contains small amounts of calcium and iron, which are crucial for bone and blood health.
Keep in mind that the exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. This dish can be part of a balanced diet, but it’s advisable to be mindful of portion control and the overall composition of your meals, especially if you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns.
