Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this sensational, saucy shredded Apricot Chicken served over fragrant and creamy Coconut Rice. This incredibly healthy and deliciously balanced meal comes together in 30 minutes or less, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to take hours to prepare!

Apricot Chicken with Coconut Rice: A Flavorful and Fast Weeknight Favorite

Are you searching for a dinner recipe that strikes the perfect balance between healthy, delicious, and incredibly quick to prepare? Look no further than this fantastic Apricot Chicken with Coconut Rice. It’s a vibrant dish that bursts with a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, complemented by a refreshing crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this recipe is designed for ease and maximum enjoyment, making it a perfect addition to your rotation of quick healthy chicken dinners.

Why This Apricot Chicken Recipe Will Become Your New Go-To

There are countless reasons why this Apricot Chicken recipe stands out. From its nutritional benefits to its adaptable nature, it’s crafted to simplify your life without compromising on taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still crave something special.

1. Embrace Healthier Eating: We’ve focused on using wholesome ingredients like high-quality olive oil and a balanced approach to sweetness, making this an excellent choice for a lighter yet deeply satisfying weeknight dinner. This healthy chicken recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from avocado and coconut milk, and fiber from fresh vegetables and rice. It’s a meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds. (For those indulgent moments, you might save something like a Creamy Sausage Pasta for another day!)
2. A Symphony of Fresh and Bold Flavors: The star of the show is undoubtedly the apricot sauce, which delivers a captivating sweet heat that will awaken your palate. This rich, fruity, and slightly spicy glaze perfectly coats tender chicken, creating a truly memorable main course. To balance this intensity, we pair it with a crisp and zesty cucumber salad and creamy avocado, adding a layer of freshness and healthy fats that makes every bite truly delightful.
3. Incredibly Easy and Flexible Chicken Options: This recipe is designed for maximum convenience and versatility. You can opt for perfectly grilled chicken breasts for a smoky flavor, or, for an even quicker meal, simply grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Both methods yield fantastic results, making this dish incredibly adaptable to your schedule and cooking preferences, ensuring an easy weeknight meal is always within reach.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Apricot Chicken and Coconut Rice

Crafting this remarkable dish requires a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its unique flavor profile and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these components are essential for your homemade apricot chicken:

• Apricot Preserves: For the signature sweet and tangy sauce, choose apricot preserves over jam. Preserves typically contain more fruit pieces and have a thicker consistency, which helps create a richer, less runny glaze that beautifully adheres to the chicken. This provides a deep, authentic apricot flavor that forms the heart of our delicious apricot chicken.
• Chicken: The foundation of this meal. While fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts are excellent for grilling or baking, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. It’s already tender and flavorful, allowing you to get dinner on the table even faster. Don’t hesitate to use chicken thighs for a juicier result if you prefer a richer flavor profile in your shredded chicken.
• Coconut Rice: The perfect creamy complement to the vibrant chicken. You can use either lite or regular coconut milk; lite will result in a slightly less rich but still flavorful rice, while regular coconut milk offers a creamier, more indulgent texture. Basmati rice is recommended for its fragrant aroma and separate, fluffy grains, which absorb the coconut milk beautifully. This simple coconut rice recipe elevates the entire dish.
• Cornstarch: Your secret weapon for thickening the apricot sauce to that perfect glaze consistency. Always mix cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water or broth first to create a slurry. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth, silky sauce when added to your hot mixture, giving your sweet and savory chicken that irresistible sheen.
• Fresh Aromatics: Minced fresh ginger and garlic are indispensable. They provide a foundational aromatic warmth and depth that cuts through the sweetness of the apricot, elevating the entire dish with a hint of pungent zest.
• Flavor Boosters: Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang and brightens the sauce, soy sauce (reduced-sodium is preferred for a healthier option) provides umami depth, and red pepper flakes introduce that exciting “sweet heat” element. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.
• Fresh Accompaniments: Crisp Persian or English cucumbers are essential for the refreshing salad, providing a cool, crunchy contrast. Ripe avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fat component, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the apricot chicken and coconut rice.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apricot Chicken and Coconut Rice

Creating this delicious meal is surprisingly straightforward and efficient, making it an ideal easy weeknight meal. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful dinner:

1. Perfect Coconut Rice: In a small pot with a tight-fitting lid, combine basmati rice with either lite or regular coconut milk and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to its lowest setting, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer undisturbed for 10-15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been fully absorbed by the rice. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the rice to steam perfectly and ensures fluffy, separate grains. Finally, fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving to release any trapped steam.
2. Prepare or Shred Chicken: Depending on your chosen method, prepare your chicken. If you’re using fresh chicken breasts, grill them seasoned until cooked through (refer to the detailed cooking options below for best results). If you’ve opted for ultimate convenience, simply shred a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Having your chicken ready and waiting is a key factor in the rapid assembly of this quick recipe.
3. Craft the Vibrant Apricot Sauce: Begin by heating a medium pan with the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger, along with the red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the aromatics are wonderfully fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Stir in the apricot preserves, reduced-sodium soy sauce, and the specified amount of rice vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly reduces and the flavors beautifully meld together, creating a rich base for your sweet and savory chicken. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water or chicken broth until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry. Gradually stir this cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a beautiful, glossy glaze-like consistency, which typically takes about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and an optional touch of sugar to balance the flavors to your preference.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add your prepared chicken (whether it’s thinly sliced, shredded, or diced) directly into the warm apricot sauce in the pan. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece of chicken is completely coated in the luscious, sweet-and-spicy glaze. This ensures every bite of your Apricot Chicken is bursting with flavor.
5. Whip Up the Refreshing Cucumber Salad: While the chicken is being coated in its delicious sauce, thinly slice your Persian or English cucumbers into 1/4-inch rounds. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced cucumbers and toss to coat them evenly in the light dressing. Set the salad aside until serving, giving it another quick toss just before plating. This crisp and tangy cucumber salad adds a much-needed fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich chicken and rice.
6. Assemble and Serve: To assemble this stunning dish, divide the fluffy coconut rice evenly among your individual serving plates or bowls. Artfully spoon a generous portion of the saucy apricot chicken over the rice. Arrange the refreshing cucumber salad and thinly sliced ripe avocado alongside the chicken and rice for a visually appealing and balanced meal. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle any remaining apricot sauce over the chicken and rice. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this delightful, balanced, and quick healthy chicken dinner!

Flexible Chicken Cooking Options for Your Apricot Chicken

One of the beauties of this Apricot Chicken recipe is its adaptability. You have several excellent options for preparing the chicken, catering to your time constraints and preferred cooking methods, ensuring you can always enjoy this easy chicken dinner:

• The Rotisserie Option (Fastest & Easiest!): This is undoubtedly your quickest path to dinner, especially on those extremely busy evenings. Simply pick up a plain, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Once home, easily shred the meat off the bones, and it’s ready to be tossed directly in the warm apricot sauce. This method significantly cuts down on both prep and cooking time, making it the ultimate shortcut for a delicious meal.
• Grilling for Smoky Flavor: For a delicious smoky char and perfectly tender interior, grilling your chicken breasts is an excellent choice that adds another layer of flavor to your apricot chicken.
  • Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat setting (aiming for 400–450°F).
  • To prevent sticking, generously oil the grill grates. A paper towel dipped in vegetable oil held with tongs works perfectly for this.
  • Prepare boneless, skinless chicken breasts by halving them horizontally or gently pounding them slightly for an even thickness. This promotes uniform cooking and prevents one part from drying out before another is done.
  • Season both sides of the chicken generously with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Grill for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, flipping only once halfway through, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read internal thermometer registers 160–165°F. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy to avoid dry or raw chicken.
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy chicken. Then, thinly slice or shred the grilled chicken before tossing it with the prepared apricot sauce.
• Baking for Hands-Off Ease: If you prefer a hands-off approach and consistent results, baking is a great alternative for cooking your chicken.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Season chicken breasts as described for grilling (olive oil, salt, and pepper).
  • Bake for approximately 18 minutes in the preheated oven, making sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F.
  • Rest the baked chicken, covered, for 5–10 minutes, then slice or shred it to your desired consistency.
• Sautéing for Quick Stove-Top Cooking: For a classic stove-top method that still delivers juicy chicken, sautéing works wonderfully and is great if you don’t have a grill or oven space.
  • Heat a large, oiled pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook seasoned chicken breasts for 4–6 minutes per side, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken, until the internal temperature is 160–165°F.
  • Rest the sautéed chicken, covered, for 5–10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Pro Tip for All Methods: Always aim to remove your chicken from the heat when its internal temperature reaches 160°F. The residual or “carryover” cooking will naturally bring the temperature up to the safe 165°F while it rests, ensuring perfectly juicy, tender, and safe-to-eat chicken every time. Overcooking is the primary culprit for dry chicken, so a meat thermometer is your best friend!

More Easy Chicken Dinners to Explore

If you love the simplicity, health benefits, and incredible flavor of this Apricot Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Our collection is full of inspiring and easy chicken dinner recipes that are sure to become new family favorites and keep your weeknight meals exciting:

• Avocado Chicken Salad: A creamy and fresh salad perfect for light lunches or quick dinners.
• Honey Lime Chicken: Zesty, sweet, and perfectly grilled chicken, often served over flavorful quinoa.
• Chicken Ramen: A comforting bowl of homemade ramen, rich in flavor and surprisingly easy to make.
• Chicken Stir Fry: A customizable and quick stir-fry packed with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: A fragrant and creamy curry, perfect for a warming and flavorful meal.

Apricot Chicken Recipe Card

Whip up this saucy, shredded Apricot Chicken with an easy coconut rice base for a nutritious, delicious dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes or less!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

• Small pot
• Grill or grill pan
• Medium pan

Ingredients

For the Coconut Rice and Cucumber Salad:

• 3/4 cup basmati rice
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can lite coconut milk
• Salt and pepper
• 2 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber, sliced
• 4 tablespoons rice vinegar, divided
• 8 teaspoons olive oil, divided

For the Apricot Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1-1/2 cups prepared rotisserie chicken
• Vegetable oil for oiling grill grates (if grilling)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for taste)

For Serving:

• 1 large ripe avocado, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Cook Coconut Rice: In a small pot, combine basmati rice with coconut milk and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the milk is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
2. Prepare Cucumber Salad: While the rice cooks, slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch rounds. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss the cucumbers in the mixture and set aside. Toss again just before serving.
3. Prepare Chicken:
   • If using rotisserie chicken, shred or cut the meat off the bones.
   • If grilling chicken, preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400–450°F). Generously oil grill grates. Halve and pound chicken breasts for even thickness. Season both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, or until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 160–165°F. Tent chicken with foil and let rest for 5–10 minutes, then thinly slice or shred.
4. Make Apricot Glaze: Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Sauté minced ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add apricot preserves, soy sauce, and the remaining 3 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2–3 minutes until reduced by half. In a separate small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water or chicken broth until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the sauce until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to taste. Toss the prepared chicken in the sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble and Serve: Divide the coconut rice between plates or bowls. Top with the sauced apricot chicken, the refreshing cucumber salad, and thinly sliced avocado. Drizzle with any remaining apricot sauce. Enjoy hot!

Recipe Notes

Note 1 (Chicken Options): This recipe is highly adaptable regarding chicken preparation. While a rotisserie chicken offers ultimate convenience and grilling delivers excellent flavor, you can also bake or sauté your chicken. Refer to the “Flexible Chicken Cooking Options” section above for detailed instructions on each method to achieve perfectly tender and juicy results.

Storage: Store any leftover Apricot Chicken and Coconut Rice in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 520 kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.1g | Protein: 6.2g | Fat: 38.6g | Cholesterol: 3.1mg | Sodium: 91.1mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 10.6g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

This Apricot Chicken with Coconut Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant experience that brings together diverse flavors and textures in perfect harmony. It’s proof that healthy eating can be incredibly exciting and that a truly satisfying dinner doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this quick recipe tonight and let its sweet, spicy, and fresh notes become a new favorite in your home. Enjoy this easy weeknight meal that tastes like a gourmet creation!