🍗 Apricot Chicken Tray Bake

Sweet, Savory & Comforting Oven-Baked Chicken with Apricot Sauce

This Apricot Chicken Tray Bake is a delicious family-friendly meal featuring tender chicken thighs baked in a rich apricot glaze with garlic, soy sauce, and warm spices. Served with fluffy rice and fresh green vegetables, it’s an easy one-pan dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

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📋 Recipe Information

* Preparation Time: 10 minutes

* Cooking Time: 45 minutes

* Total Time: 55 minutes

* Servings: 4–6 people

* Difficulty Level: Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

* 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

* 1 tablespoon olive oil

* Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Apricot Sauce

* 1 can (410 g) apricot halves in syrup

* ¼ cup soy sauce

* 2 cloves garlic, minced

* 1 teaspoon ground cumin

* 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

For Serving

* 2 cups cooked white rice

* 250 g green beans, steamed

* 2 spring onions, sliced

* 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).

In a blender or food processor, combine:

* Apricots with their syrup

* Soy sauce

* Garlic

* Cumin

* Honey (if using)

Blend until smooth.

2. Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Pour the apricot sauce evenly over the chicken.

Turn the chicken pieces to coat completely.

3. Bake

Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

The sauce should become thick, glossy, and caramelized around the edges.

4. Prepare the Sides

While the chicken bakes:

* Cook the rice according to package instructions.

* Steam the green beans until tender-crisp.

5. Serve

Place rice onto serving plates.

Top with apricot chicken and spoon over extra sauce.

Serve alongside green beans.

Garnish with sliced spring onions and toasted almonds.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

* Pair with jasmine or basmati rice.

* Serve with broccoli, asparagus, or snow peas.

* Add a fresh cucumber salad for extra freshness.

* Enjoy with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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💡 Tips for Success

✅ Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts during baking.

✅ Blend the apricot sauce until completely smooth for the best texture.

✅ Add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy variation.

✅ Toast the almonds before serving for extra crunch and flavor.

✅ Leftovers taste even better the next day.

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🥗 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

* Calories: 510 kcal

* Protein: 36 g

* Carbohydrates: 32 g

* Fat: 24 g

* Fiber: 3 g

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* Easy one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.

* Sweet and savory flavor combination.

* Tender, juicy chicken every time.

* Perfect for family dinners and meal prep.

* Simple ingredients with impressive results.