๐ Apricot Glazed Chicken ๐
Apricot glazed chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apricot with the savory taste of chicken. Here’s a detailed response with emojis for you:
๐ค What is it?
Apricot glazed chicken is a dish that features chicken, usually chicken breasts or thighs, coated with a glaze made from apricot preserves or apricot jam. The glaze is sweet and tangy, which adds a delightful contrast to the tender and juicy chicken.
๐ History:
The exact origin of apricot glazed chicken is not well-documented, but apricot-based sauces and glazes have been used in cooking for centuries. Apricots are native to Asia and have a long history of culinary use in various dishes, including meat glazes.
๐ฝ๏ธ Components:
To prepare apricot glazed chicken, you will typically need the following components:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Apricot preserves or apricot jam
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Salt and pepper
๐ฉโ๐ณ Steps to Prepare:
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Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer for better flavor).
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare the apricot glaze. In a saucepan, combine apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and a bit more minced garlic. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until it becomes a smooth glaze.
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Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
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Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in an ovenproof dish. Brush a generous amount of the apricot glaze over the chicken pieces.
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Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until it’s cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
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During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush more apricot glaze over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize and create a flavorful crust.
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
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Serve the apricot glazed chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced green onions, and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.
โฑ๏ธ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare apricot glazed chicken can vary, but on average, it takes approximately 1 hour, including marinating time. The actual cooking time in the oven is around 25-30 minutes.
Enjoy your delightful apricot glazed chicken dish! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for apricot glazed chicken:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
- Sugars: 20-25 grams
- Fat: 8-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 70-90 mg
- Sodium: 600-700 mg
Health Information:
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Protein: Apricot glazed chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
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Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. It’s a moderately calorie-dense dish.
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Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates mainly come from the apricot glaze, which contains natural sugars. Keep an eye on portion size if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
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Sugars: The sugars in this dish primarily come from the apricot preserves or jam used in the glaze. While they add sweetness, be mindful if you have dietary restrictions on sugar.
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Fat: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, with some saturated fat. You can reduce saturated fat by using lean chicken cuts and trimming excess fat.
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Sodium: Soy sauce, a common ingredient in the glaze, contributes to the sodium content. If you’re concerned about sodium intake, consider using a reduced-sodium soy sauce.
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Fiber: There’s a small amount of dietary fiber, mainly from the garlic and ginger. It’s beneficial for digestive health.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Apricots contain vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health and the immune system. Chicken provides essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
Remember that the specific nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe. To get the most accurate information, you can use a nutrition calculator or consult a registered dietitian. Enjoy your apricot glazed chicken in moderation as part of a balanced diet! ๐๐ฅฆ๐ฅ