Grilled Apricot Chicken Recipe

This traditional Apricot Chicken recipe uses both an apricot marinade and apricot chicken glaze to make the most delicious grilled chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and a perfect addition to your summer grilling repertoire.

Traditional Apricot Chicken Recipe

This grilled apricot chicken recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with bright fruit flavor. The marinade is made with apricot preserves, fresh lime juice, and simple seasoning. Just throw it all together, add the chicken breast, and let it sit for 2-24 hours.

Just before the chicken has finished cooking, brush on a simple apricot glaze and prepare to enjoy the most juicy, flavorful grilled chicken. This will soon be your favorite summer grilling recipe. 

Grilled Apricot Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breast – boneless skinless chicken breasts work great. Chicken thighs would also taste amazing.
• Apricot Preserves – you can use any kind of apricot jam, jelly, or preserves to make the marinade and the glaze. Or, you could make this entire recipe using strawberry preserves.
• Lime Juice – fresh lime juice has the very best flavor.
• Avocado Oil – I like avocado oil because it has a high smoking point and minimum flavor. Any other vegetable cooking oil would also work.
• Garlic Salt – if you don’t have garlic salt you can combine equal parts garlic powder and salt.
• Onion Powder – this adds a nice sweet onion flavor to the marinade.
• Salt and Pepper

How to Make Easy Apricot Chicken

1. Tenderize the chicken. Lay your chicken breast in a Ziplock bag or between two sheets of parchment paper.  Using a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or the bottom of a mason jar, give the chicken a few good whacks on the thickest part. Set aside.
2. Marinade the chicken. In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves, lime juice, avocado oil, garlic salt, and onion powder.  Mix well, then add to a large freezer bag along with the pounded chicken. Let marinade for 2-24 hours.
3. Grill. Preheat the grill to approximately 375 degrees F. Spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray before grilling.  Using tongs, remove the chicken from the marinade and lay it on the hot grill smooth side down. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip over and let cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Brush with apricot glaze. Just before the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, spread a thin layer of the apricot glaze over the top. 
5. Rest. Once the chicken has finished cooking, remove from the grill and place on a plate or platter. Brush another thin layer of glaze over top, then allow to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
6. Enjoy!

How to Make Apricot Glaze for Chicken

In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the apricot preserves and fresh lime juice.  Microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until the preserves are a little runny and can spread easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Grilling Chicken

• Marinate for maximum flavor: Chicken breasts can be bland and dry if not properly seasoned. Marinating them for at least 2 hours but no more than 24 hours is ideal. I find the sweet spot to be around 12 hours.
• Preheat your grill: Starting with a hot grill is essential for achieving those beautiful grill marks and ensuring even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the chicken breasts.
• Oil the grates: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill grates, scrap them to remove anything, then use a paper towel to lightly coat them with oil. This also helps to create those coveted grill marks.
• Use a meat thermometer: Overcooked chicken breasts can be dry and tough, while undercooked chicken can be a health hazard. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerator: store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat: either microwave or reheat in a preheated 325 degree oven until warmed through.

More of the Best Chicken Recipes 

• Rosemary Garlic Chicken Breasts Marinade
• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
• Parmesan Ranch Chicken
• Simple Oven Baked Chicken Breast
• Grilled Chicken Teriyaki
• Flamin Hot Cheeto Chicken Tenders
• Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
• Crockpot Salsa Chicken
• Cornflake Chicken
• 3 Citrus Chicken Marinade
• Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
• Garlic and Herb Drumsticks
• Classic Chicken Parmesan
• More Chicken Recipes
• More Dinner Ideas

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This easy Grilled Apricot Preserves Chicken is a summer favorite. It’s juicy, flavorful, topped with a simple apricot glaze.