Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both wildly flavorful and weeknight-friendly, Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli is about to become your new favorite go-to. This dish brings together juicy chicken in a glossy, sweet-tangy sauce, crisp-tender roasted broccoli, and all the aromatic flare you’d expect from a restaurant favorite—but made effortlessly at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One reason I love making Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli so often is because the ingredients are straightforward—but each one plays a vital part in building flavor, color, and texture. Here’s how the components come together for a dish that feels gourmet but is super doable any day of the week.

• Broccoli: Roasting brings out broccoli’s nutty sweetness and gives you those crave-able crispy edges.
• Olive Oil: Used both for roasting veggies and browning chicken; adds richness and helps everything cook evenly.
• Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: The basics for seasoning both veggies and protein, so every bite pops with flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the sticky-sweet sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle background note to the chicken, upping the savory factor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a delicate golden crust, so the sauce sticks beautifully.
• Apricot Jam/Preserves: The absolute star of the sauce! Its sweet-tart flavor makes the chicken shine.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of aroma and flavor to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth, balancing the apricot’s sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Rounds out the sauce for that perfect sticky, caramelized glaze.
• Chopped Chives: A fresh garnish that adds a splash of color and a subtle, oniony bite.
• Brown Jasmine Rice: Ideal for soaking up the extra sauce and completing the meal.

Variations

Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli is endlessly customizable—perfect for picky eaters, dietary needs, or simply using what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with the swaps and personal touches below!

• Swap the Protein: This sticky apricot sauce is fabulous on shrimp, tofu, or even salmon fillets—just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
• Mix Up the Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or blanched green beans roast beautifully alongside or instead of the broccoli.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use rice flour or a gluten-free blend in place of all-purpose flour and double-check your soy sauce selection.

How to Make Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli

Step 1: Roast the Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spread the broccoli florets in an even layer on a baking sheet, then drizzle or spray with olive oil and sprinkle with a big pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Roasting at high heat caramelizes the edges and gives the broccoli a gorgeous golden char—trust me, it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Prep and Coat the Chicken

While the broccoli roasts, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the flour and make sure each piece gets a light, even coating. This step guarantees juicy chicken with a surface that soaks up every bit of your sticky apricot glaze.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive or canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange the floured chicken in a single layer, letting each side get beautifully golden and just barely crisp—usually about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Don’t rush them; a good sear locks in flavor.

Step 4: Make and Add the Sticky Apricot Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the apricot jam, minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Once the chicken is browned, pour this luscious mixture into the pan. Stir so every piece is evenly coated, then simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken in that signature sticky sheen.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle over the chopped chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor. You can toss the roasted broccoli right in the pan with the chicken and sauce, or plate it on the side—either way, don’t forget to serve everything over a bed of fluffy brown jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of that glorious glaze!

How to Serve Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli is all about bright flavors and color. Scatter chopped chives or scallions over the top for freshness, and if you love a little crunch, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is perfection served over brown jasmine rice, but you could also pair it with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even simple noodles. For a heartier meal, add a light Asian slaw or some crispy spring rolls on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching spread, pile the Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli into shallow bowls and finish with fresh herbs and a lime wedge. Or, serve everything family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves for a festive, communal vibe—perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the chicken and broccoli (ideally without the rice) into freezer-safe containers. The sauce texture may loosen a bit upon thawing, but the flavors remain vibrant. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between rounds to keep the chicken tender and the broccoli from overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this family favorite—Sticky Apricot Chicken and Broccoli is a dinner that never fails to dazzle. From that sticky-sweet sauce to the crisp, caramelized veggies, every bite is pure comfort with just the right amount of flair. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it finds its way into your regular dinner rotation!

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