Easy Apricot Sweet and Spicy Chicken

This easy apricot sweet and spicy chicken is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick! This sticky apricot chicken is great for a weeknight winner.

Why I Made This Recipe

When I was growing up, apricot jam was something I mostly saw in thumbprint cookies or on toast at the breakfast table. But let me tell you—once you taste it in a savory glaze over crispy baked chicken, it’s a game-changer.

This Apricot Sweet & Spicy Chicken recipe was born on one of those weeknights where I needed something flavorful and comforting, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I had some thighs and drumsticks defrosted, a half-used jar of jam in the fridge, and I thought—why not try something bold?

What came out of the oven was better than I could’ve imagined: juicy chicken with crispy edges, coated in a sticky, buttery glaze that hits all the notes—sweet, spicy, tangy, and smoky.

Try pairing it with my famous homemade ranch dressing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re tired of the same chicken dinner every week, this is a great way to switch it up. Here’s why this recipe works:

• Bold, balanced flavors: The apricot jam brings sweetness, the mustard adds tang, and the hot sauce gives it just the right kick.
• No marinating required: The spice blend goes right on the chicken before baking, and the glaze gets brushed on after—making this a quicker option than some marinades.
• One pan + one pot: Easy to clean up, and even easier to prep.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or even shred the chicken and tuck it into wraps.

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Apricot Chicken Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Chicken thighs and drumsticks (I used ~4.5 lbs)
• Baking powder (helps crisp up the skin)
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Black pepper and salt
• Ginger paste (fresh, bold flavor!)

For the Apricot Glaze:

• Apricot jam (I used a small jar—about ¾ cup) This is the exact brand I used
• Yellow mustard
• Hot sauce (choose your favorite level of heat)
• Ginger paste This is a brand I have used before
• Butter

This glaze is cooked quickly on the stovetop while the chicken bakes, then brushed generously over the crispy meat to finish.

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How to Make Apricot Sweet & Spicy Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Use a wire rack to make the chicken crispy all around.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Mix all your dry seasonings together in a large bowl. Pat the chicken dry (this helps the skin crisp up), then toss it with the seasoning blend to coat thoroughly.

Step 3: Bake

Arrange the chicken on your prepared baking sheet on top of the rack. Bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour, or until the internal temp hits 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy. If you don’t have a rack, flip the chicken half way through.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the apricot jam, mustard, hot sauce, and ginger paste. Let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes until it’s slightly thickened.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and immediately brush it with the warm apricot glaze. Let it rest a few minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides.

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is super flexible. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Jasmine rice or coconut rice – something neutral to soak up the glaze
• Steamed or roasted broccoli – the slight bitterness balances the sweetness
• Simple cucumber salad – for a cool, crisp contrast

And if you’re feeding little ones, the sweetness of the glaze usually makes this one a hit with toddlers, too.

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to re-crisp the skin.
• Freezer: The cooked chicken (with glaze) freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

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FAQs About This Recipe

Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes, and keep an eye on the internal temp.

What if I don’t like spicy food?
Skip the crushed red pepper and reduce the hot sauce. You’ll still get great flavor from the glaze without the heat.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can bake the chicken and make the glaze separately ahead of time, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

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Final Thoughts

This Apricot Sweet & Spicy Chicken recipe is one of those hidden gems that looks and tastes like it took hours—but comes together fast with pantry ingredients. If you’re looking for something that will shake up your dinner routine without a ton of effort, this is it.