Tender Pressure Cooker Apricot Chicken

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the best Instant Pot Apricot Chicken with Apricot Jam. This recipe is a true weeknight wonder, requiring only 5 simple ingredients to create a perfect dinner that the entire family will adore. Imagine succulent, tender chicken enveloped in a sweet and tangy apricot glaze, ready to be served over a comforting bed of rice. Whether you own an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, or another electric pressure cooker, this dish is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s so economical and satisfying, you can easily feed a family of five for around $20, making it an ideal choice for busy households seeking delicious and budget-friendly meals.

Irresistible Apricot Glazed Chicken: A Family Favorite

Have you ever experienced the sheer delight of apricot glazed chicken? It is, quite simply, amazing. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s the kind of meal your children will enthusiastically request time and again. It strikes the perfect balance of sweetness – not overly cloying, but enough to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth in your household. Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe is remarkably economical, making it a budget-friendly option that consistently leads to requests for second helpings. Prepare for your family to fall in love with this deliciously sweet and savory chicken creation!

For those new to the world of pressure cooking, rest assured, we’re here to make it incredibly easy for you. This versatile recipe can be prepared in virtually any electric pressure cooker you might have at home. Whether you’re using an Instant Pot, a Ninja Foodi, a Mealthy Pot, or even an easy Crockpot Express, the principles remain the same. Simply gather your ingredients from the grocery store – or, for ultimate convenience, defrost some frozen chicken – and get ready to create a truly memorable meal. The magic of pressure cooking transforms simple ingredients into a tender and flavorful dish in a fraction of the time.

Deconstructing the Deliciousness: What Goes into Apricot Chicken?

The secret to this incredibly flavorful apricot chicken lies in a carefully selected blend of just five primary ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the signature sweet, savory, and tangy sauce that makes this dish so unforgettable. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe a true masterpiece:

• The Sauce Base: Catalina or French Salad Dressing & Apricot Jam: The heart of our sweet and savory sauce is a brilliant combination of French or Catalina salad dressing and apricot jam. This pairing creates a sticky, luscious glaze that beautifully coats every piece of poultry. The dressing provides a tangy, slightly savory kick, while the apricot jam infuses a vibrant, fruity sweetness. For the apricot jam, while any good quality brand will work, you can even make homemade apricot jam for an extra special touch. If apricot jam is hard to find, peach preserves or orange marmalade can be used as alternatives, though they will subtly alter the fruity flavor profile.
• Choice of Protein: Tender Chicken: For optimal tenderness and quick cooking, we recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook quickly and absorb all the delightful flavors of the sauce. If you prefer the richer taste and juicier texture of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitution. Both options yield fantastic results, so choose what best suits your preference.
• The Liquid Foundation: Chicken Broth: To achieve the perfect sauce consistency and prevent any “burn” notices on your pressure cooker, a splash of chicken broth or stock is essential. It thins out the jam and dressing a bit, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully without becoming overly thick. Using broth instead of water also adds an extra layer of savory depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
• Flavor Enhancer: Onion Soup Mix: To truly elevate the flavor, we incorporate a packet of Onion soup mix. This pantry staple is a game-changer, adding a remarkable depth of savory, umami notes that complement the sweetness of the apricot. It’s the same mix you’d use for that famous onion dip, and its rich, concentrated flavor makes a significant impact with minimal effort.
• Optional Add-ins for Enhanced Flavor and Texture:
  • Fresh Onion: For those who love a more pronounced onion flavor and a bit of texture, adding a small onion, either sliced or diced, can be a wonderful addition to the pot.
  • Cornstarch: If you desire a thicker, more glossy sauce at the end of the cooking process, a bit of cornstarch slurry (mixed with cold water) can be stirred in during the sauté function. We’ll detail this in the instructions.

Customizing Your Apricot Chicken: Substitutions and Variations

One of the best aspects of this apricot chicken recipe is its flexibility, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours!

• Jam Alternatives: While apricot jam is key to the authentic flavor, you can certainly experiment. Using orange marmalade, for instance, will give you a taste profile more akin to our popular Instant Pot orange chicken recipe, offering a zesty citrus twist. Peach preserves also work wonderfully, providing a slightly different, yet equally delicious, fruity sweetness.
• Adding a Hint of Heat: If you enjoy a little warmth in your meals, incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha sauce can add a fantastic kick without overpowering the main flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired spice level.
• Balancing Sweetness: For those who prefer a less sweet profile, a tablespoon of soy sauce can be added to the mixture. It introduces a savory, umami depth that beautifully cuts through the sweetness, creating a more complex and balanced flavor. A touch of apple cider vinegar can also achieve a similar effect by adding a subtle tang.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by incorporating vegetables. Diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) or thinly sliced carrots can be added along with the chicken for extra color and nutrients. They will cook perfectly tender under pressure. Consider adding frozen peas or corn during the last minute of simmering if you’re thickening the sauce for a quick and easy vegetable addition.
• Beyond Chicken: While this recipe shines with chicken, the versatile apricot sauce could also be adapted for other proteins. Pork tenderloin or even firm tofu could be experimented with, adjusting cooking times as necessary.

Making Apricot Chicken with Frozen Chicken: A Time-Saving Trick

Forgot to thaw your chicken? No problem! This Instant Pot apricot chicken recipe is surprisingly adaptable for frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. The process will differ slightly since you won’t be able to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces beforehand, but the results are just as delicious and tender. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish even if your chicken is still rock-solid:

1. Initial Pressure Cook: Place the whole frozen chicken breasts (or thighs) directly into your pressure cooker. Add the chicken broth, then cook on high pressure. For average-sized frozen chicken breasts, a cooking time of 12-15 minutes is generally sufficient, followed by a natural release for 5 minutes, then a quick release.
2. Shred and Drain: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken, or if the pieces are small enough, you can chop them. Drain any excess liquid from the pot, leaving just a small amount (about 1/2 cup) if you want to retain some of the chicken juices.
3. Sauté and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Set your pressure cooker to the “Sauté” function. Add the apricot jam, Catalina/French dressing, and onion soup mix. Stir all the ingredients together, ensuring the shredded chicken is thoroughly coated in the burgeoning sauce.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to bubble and thicken around the chicken. If you prefer an even thicker sauce, prepare a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir for another 1-2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the sauté function and serve your apricot chicken as usual.

This method takes just a little longer than using fresh chicken, but it’s a fantastic workaround for those busy days. The entire meal, including a batch of Ninja Foodi white rice, can be ready in approximately 20-30 minutes, making it a super-efficient option. We typically enjoy these as flavorful chicken bowls, often paired with a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and wholesome meal.

Serving Suggestions and Achieving Perfect Sauce Consistency

Once your delectable apricot chicken is ready, the possibilities for serving are endless! While a classic bed of fluffy white rice is always a winner, don’t hesitate to explore other options that complement its rich, sweet, and savory profile.

Beyond Rice: Creative Serving Ideas

• Classic Rice Bowls: As mentioned, serving over a mound of perfectly cooked white rice is a go-to for a reason. The rice soaks up the incredible sauce beautifully. For a healthier twist, consider brown rice or quinoa.
• Noodle Delight: This dish transitions wonderfully with pasta. Boil egg noodles or your favorite pasta to al dente in a separate pot. Once the chicken is done, fold the cooked noodles directly into the pot with the chicken and sauce. There’s typically enough sauce to coat everything generously, creating a fulfilling and comforting meal similar to our other Instant Pot chicken recipes.
• Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes provides a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and luscious sauce. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower mash works just as well.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the sweetness of the apricot with fresh, crisp vegetables. Green beans, asparagus, broccoli (as we often enjoy it), or even roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips make excellent side dishes.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, fresher approach, serve the apricot chicken in crisp lettuce cups, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh finish to your dish.

How to Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency

Sometimes, after pressure cooking, the sauce might be thinner than you prefer. This is perfectly normal and easily remedied! Achieving a thicker, more luscious glaze is simple with a quick cornstarch slurry. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until completely smooth and lump-free. It’s crucial to use cold water to prevent lumps.
2. Activate Sauté Mode: Once your chicken is cooked and you’ve performed the quick release, turn off the pressure cooker, then select the “Sauté” function. Allow the sauce in the pot to come to a gentle bubble.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the bubbling sauce in the pot while continuously stirring. Continue to stir gently for 1-2 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce begin to thicken almost immediately, becoming more glossy and clingy.
4. Rest and Serve: Once your desired thickness is achieved, turn off the Sauté function. Allow the dish to sit for at least 5 minutes; the sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools. Then, it’s ready to be served hot over your chosen accompaniment!

Remember, the printable recipe below includes nutritional information, calculated automatically based on the ingredients listed. These figures are approximations, so keep in mind that variations in brands of jam, dressing, and chicken cuts (like thighs versus breasts) will influence the final nutritional content. After you’ve mastered this, be sure to try our creamy pressure cooker chicken and rice recipe, which delivers fantastic results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apricot Chicken