Easy Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe for Cozy Dinner

Apricot chicken thighs burst with vibrant flavors that transform an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Sweet and tangy combinations dance across your palate, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond typical poultry dishes.

Rich, succulent meat absorbs complex seasonings and aromatic herbs, promising a memorable dining adventure.

Home cooks seeking comfort and excitement will appreciate this delightful recipe’s elegant simplicity.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with carefully selected ingredients, developing layers of deep, satisfying taste.

Warm spices and subtle fruit notes elevate this dish from mundane to magnificent.

Each bite tells a story of careful preparation and thoughtful ingredient selection: get ready to impress your dinner companions.

Creative Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Mediterranean Magic: Swap white wine with dry vermouth and add kalamata olives. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the finished dish for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southern Comfort: Include diced jalapeños and a splash of bourbon instead of wine. Incorporate smoked paprika into the seasoning for a robust, fiery undertone.
• Herb Garden Remix: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme and sage. Add dried lavender to the apricots for a delicate floral note. Include lemon zest to brighten the overall flavor complexity.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Use rice wine instead of white wine. Add ginger, star anise, and a drizzle of soy sauce. Replace parsley with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs: A Fruity, Tender Chicken Dish

Culinary enthusiasts discover pure comfort in Pioneer Woman’s apricot chicken thighs, where Southern charm meets gourmet elegance.

Succulent chicken nestles among caramelized vegetables and sweet apricots, creating a symphony of rustic flavors.

Creamy cheese grits provide a luxurious foundation for this remarkable dish.

Rosemary’s aromatic whispers elevate each tender bite with sophisticated complexity.

Wine-infused braising transforms humble ingredients into a memorable meal that lingers on palates and hearts.

Passionate cooks, share this extraordinary recipe with friends, comment below with your delightful experiences, and spread culinary joy across social media platforms.

Why Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs Are a Sweet and Savory Delight

• Savor Slow-Cooked Depth: This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a mouthwatering masterpiece through patient braising, letting flavors meld and intensify over 2.5 hours of gentle oven cooking.
• Celebrate Sweet-Savory Symphony: Dried apricots create a delightful balance with rich chicken and aromatic rosemary, producing a complex flavor profile that dances between fruity sweetness and hearty richness.
• Elevate Comfort with Gourmet Technique: By using a Dutch oven and carefully layering ingredients like white wine, chicken stock, and vegetables, home cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with surprisingly minimal technical skill.

What You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Hindquarters: Hearty cut with skin that provides rich flavor and stays moist during long braising.

• Garlic: Adds deep, warm flavor to the dish.
• Carrots: Provides sweetness and texture to the braising liquid.
• Red Onions: Offers a mild, sweet undertone to the overall dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken's natural flavors.
• Rosemary Sprigs: Brings a woody, pine-like herbal note to the chicken.

• White Wine: Adds complexity and acidity to the braising liquid.
• Chicken Stock: Creates a rich, flavorful base for braising.

• Dried Apricots: Adds a sweet and tangy element to the savory dish.

• Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base for cooking grits.
• Quick Grits: Provides a creamy, comforting foundation for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor to the grits.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Butter: Enhances richness and provides a silky finish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch to the dish.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cooking Vessel

Warm up the oven to 325°F. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over chicken thighs.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken Skin

Carefully place chicken skin-side down in the Dutch oven. Cook for 4 minutes, flipping occasionally until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Sliced carrots
• Chopped red onions

Pour in white wine and chicken stock. Toss in dried apricots and fresh rosemary sprigs. Stir everything to combine and create a rich base.

Step 4: Slow Braise the Chicken

Gently return chicken to the Dutch oven, nestling it among vegetables and apricots. Bring to a soft bubble, cover, and slide into the oven. Bake for 2.5 hours until chicken becomes meltingly tender.

Step 5: Prepare Creamy Cheese Grits

Boil chicken broth in a saucepan. Whisk in quick grits gradually. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness to Grits

• Cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese

Mix until smooth and completely melted.

Step 7: Finish Grits with Richness

Fold in butter for extra creaminess. Keep warm until serving.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Remove Dutch oven from the oven. Spoon creamy grits onto plates, top with chicken thighs. Surround with apricots and vegetables. Drizzle with the luxurious cooking liquid. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of brightness.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Maximize Skin Crispness: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before searing to guarantee golden-brown, crunchy exterior.
• Balance Fruit Intensity: Taste dried apricots beforehand to adjust sweetness; mix with tart dried cherries for complex flavor depth.
• Wine Selection Strategy: Pick a crisp white wine you genuinely enjoy drinking, as its characteristics will concentrate during cooking.
• Herb Flexibility Hack: Blend fresh rosemary with thyme when short on one ingredient, creating a more nuanced aromatic profile.
• Veggie Swap Wisdom: Experiment with roasted parsnips or caramelized fennel to introduce unexpected yet harmonious vegetable dimensions.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Meal Prep Container Method: Select transparent, leak-proof glass containers with secure locking lids. These containers allow easy visual tracking of stored chicken and prevent potential spills during refrigeration. Stack containers efficiently to maximize space and maintain organization.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Invest in a vacuum sealer for maximum freshness preservation. Remove excess air completely from storage bags, preventing freezer burn and maintaining original flavor profile. This technique extends chicken's storage life significantly compared to traditional wrapping methods.
• Temperature Control Method: Keep chicken consistently stored at 40°F or below in refrigerator. Monitor temperature using digital thermometer to ensure optimal preservation conditions. Avoid temperature fluctuations that might compromise food safety and quality. Always place chicken on lower shelves to prevent potential cross-contamination with other food items.

Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs emerge as a delightful fusion of tangy sweetness and savory comfort. Juicy chicken thighs glazed with apricot preserves create a simple yet elegant dinner that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken hind quarters
• 16 dried apricots
• 4 carrots, cut into large chunks
• 2 red onions, cut into quarters
• 4 sprigs rosemary

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Additional Components:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic, peeled
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley

Cheese Grits Ingredients:

• ¾ cup quick grits
• 2 cups grated sharp Cheddar
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Generously season chicken hindquarters with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Carefully place chicken pieces skin-side down, creating a golden-brown exterior by cooking for approximately 4 minutes. Rotate pieces occasionally to ensure even coloration. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. Introduce aromatic vegetables to the Dutch oven: mince garlic, chop carrots, and slice red onions. Pour in white wine and chicken stock, then add dried apricots and fragrant rosemary sprigs. Gently stir to combine ingredients.
4. Nestle the browned chicken among the vegetables and fruits, ensuring even distribution. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then cover the Dutch oven and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).
5. Allow the dish to braise for approximately 2.5 hours, or until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and begins to fall apart.
6. For the cheese grits, bring 3 cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
7. Gradually whisk quick grits into the boiling broth, reducing heat to low. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
8. Incorporate sharp Cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy texture.
9. Enhance the grits with 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until fully integrated. Maintain warmth until serving.
10. Remove the braised chicken from the oven. Plate over creamy cheese grits, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Spoon additional vegetables, apricots, and cooking liquid over the chicken for maximum flavor.

Notes

• Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers, staying fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make-ahead magic means flavors deepen and intensify overnight, creating an even more delicious meal.
• Stone-ground grits deliver rustic texture, though quick grits work perfectly for faster preparation.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee silky-smooth, luxuriously creamy cheese grits every time.
• Dutch oven cooking ensures consistent heat distribution, developing incredibly rich, concentrated flavors.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken hindquarters guarantee maximum juiciness and deep, complex taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg