Are you short on time, but still looking for a flavorful dinner recipe? This Central Valley Chicken recipe is here to save the day. The name is a nod to California’s central valley where a hefty 95% of America’s apricots are grown! We’ll be leaning into the fruity flavor with apricot jam that’s balanced with some tangy soy sauce, dijon mustard, and a pinch of ginger. The sauce comes together right in the baking dish for an easy-peasy meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving guests, this recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, you can have dinner ready for the oven. The chicken bakes up beautifully, with the jam caramelizing slightly on the chicken while the soy sauce deepens the flavor, adding a subtle savory kick. The onions add a touch of sweetness and texture to each bite, perfectly complementing the apricot’s natural sweetness. Make sure to baste the chicken by spooning the sauce over top halfway through cooking.
Serve this dish with a side of roasted veggies or a light salad for a wholesome and delicious meal. Nothing beats a quick and easy dinner recipe… especially when it turns out this delicious. Give our Central Valley Chicken a try and it’s sure to become a staple in your lineup. Happy cooking!
Central Valley Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot jam
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoons dijon mustard
- ¼ cup finely diced onions
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Trim fat from chicken thighs and place in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste (keep in mind the soy sauce will add additional salt!).
- Spoon jam onto chicken, followed by the dijon, soy sauce, and honey. Use a spatula mix and cover the chicken with the sauce.
- Sprinkle on garlic powder, ginger and onions.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then quickly remove dish from oven and spoon the sauce from the bottom of the dish onto the chicken. Return to oven and bake for 15-20 more minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- If desired, spoon additional jam on top of chicken before serving.
Recipe adapted from Beyondthechickencoop.com