Juicy Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe for Family Joy

These zesty apricot chicken thighs will electrify your dinner routine with unexpected culinary magic.

Juicy, tender meat embraces sweet and tangy apricot flavors that spark immediate appetite excitement.

Succulent chicken transforms into a gourmet masterpiece through simple yet sophisticated seasoning techniques.

Bold spices and fruity undertones create a symphony of taste that dances across your tongue.

Effortless preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Complex flavor profiles emerge from surprisingly straightforward ingredients, promising a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

One forkful will convince you this dish belongs in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Gather What Goes in Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Select bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and juicy meat that falls off the bone.

• Garlic, Red Onions, Carrots: Choose fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no soft spots.
• Rosemary: Look for bright green sprigs with strong, fragrant aroma that indicates freshness.

• White Wine: Select a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc to add depth without overwhelming sweetness.
• Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels in the final dish.

• Dried Apricots: Pick plump, glossy fruits without any signs of crystallization for best texture.

• Chicken Broth: Use high-quality broth for richer underlying flavor.
• Quick Grits: Seek stone-ground varieties for more authentic, robust corn taste.

• Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese: Select sharp cheddar and full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess and tang.

• Butter: Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for smooth, rich finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Select bright green leaves with crisp texture for garnish.

What You’ll Use When Making Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for stovetop and oven cooking.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for preparing creamy grits.
• Cutting board: Flat surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: Accurate tools for measuring liquids and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for smoothly blending grits and incorporating cheese.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching cookware.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and moving chicken during cooking.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Plates: Large serving dishes for plating the final meal.

Steps to Cook the Best Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

Dive into Cozy Chicken Comfort

Transform your kitchen into a haven of deliciousness with this soul-warming chicken dish that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance with joy.

• Kick Off the Flavor Journey

Heat your oven to a gentle 325°F. Grab a Dutch oven and warm some olive oil. Season chicken thighs with a loving sprinkle of salt and pepper, getting them ready for their delectable transformation.

• Create Golden Magic

Sear the chicken skin-side down, letting it develop a gorgeous golden-brown crispiness. Watch it sizzle and brown, creating those irresistible caramelized edges that scream “delicious!”

• Build a Flavor Symphony

Toss minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped red onions into the Dutch oven. Pour in a splash of white wine and chicken stock. Scatter dried apricots and fresh rosemary sprigs, creating a fragrant base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Nestle the chicken back into the flavorful mixture. Cover and slide into the oven, letting everything simmer and meld together for about 2.5 hours. The chicken will become so tender it practically falls apart at the mere sight of a fork.

• Whip Up Dreamy Cheese Grits

Boil chicken broth and whisk in grits, letting them simmer and become creamy. Stir in a blend of cheddar and cream cheese until smooth and irresistibly rich. Finish with a generous pat of butter for ultimate creaminess.

• Plate Like a Pro

Spoon those heavenly cheese grits onto plates. Gently place the melt-in-your-mouth chicken on top. Scatter the soft apricots and vegetables around the plate. Drizzle with the luxurious cooking liquid and sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Ideas to Change Things Up Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Elevate Your Cooking: Smart Flavor Boosters
• Swap dried apricots with fresh golden raisins or dried cherries to add unexpected sweetness and tang to the braising liquid.
• Customize Cheese Selections
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, fontina, or sharp white cheddar in the grits for unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken's richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic
• Prepare the entire dish one day ahead and refrigerate. The flavors will intensify overnight, making the next day's meal even more delicious. Simply reheat gently in the oven before serving.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation
• Replace traditional grits with cauliflower rice or polenta for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the creamy, comforting texture of the original recipe.

Great Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Elevate the Dining Experience: Serve this comforting chicken dish on large, white ceramic plates to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the meal.
• Pair with Perfect Companions: A crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the rich flavors of the braised chicken and creamy grits beautifully.
• Create a Rustic Table Setting: Use wooden cutting boards as charger plates, add fresh rosemary sprigs as natural decorations, and use simple linen napkins to enhance the homey, farm-to-table feel of the dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley or small rosemary leaves just before serving to add a pop of green and bring a fresh, aromatic finish to the plate.

How to Store and Reuse Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs

• Preserve Perfectly: Smart Storage Solutions
• Transfer leftover chicken and grits to airtight containers. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Maximize Refrigerator Lifespan
• Store chicken dish separately from grits. Expect peak flavor and quality for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the refrigerator. Use shallow containers to help cool food quickly and evenly.
• Freeze for Future Feasts
• Wrap chicken portions individually in freezer-safe wrap. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Separate grits into different containers to prevent texture breakdown.
• Reheat with Restaurant-Quality Care
• Thaw refrigerated meals in the fridge overnight. Warm chicken in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Refresh grits by adding a splash of milk or broth while gently reheating on the stovetop, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency.

Succulent Pioneer Woman Apricot Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman apricot chicken thighs bring Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables with minimal preparation. Tangy apricot glaze and tender chicken create a simple, satisfying meal that welcomes family to comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken hind quarters
• 16 dried apricots
• 4 carrots (large chunks)
• 2 red onions (quartered)
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 2 cups (480 ml) dry white wine
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
• 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 8 cloves garlic (peeled)
• kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• freshly chopped parsley
• ¾ cup quick grits
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsps salted butter

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Instructions

1. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken hindquarters with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down until golden-brown, approximately 4 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
2. Creating Flavor Base: In the same Dutch oven, sauté minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced red onions. Deglaze with white wine and chicken stock, then add dried apricots and rosemary sprigs. Stir to combine and create a rich aromatic foundation.
3. Braising Process: Carefully arrange seared chicken pieces among the vegetable and fruit mixture. Ensure even distribution of ingredients. Cover the Dutch oven and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with the surrounding flavors.
4. Preparing Cheese Grits: Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Whisk in quick grits, reducing heat and simmering for 3-4 minutes. Blend in sharp Cheddar and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Finish with butter, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Plating and Serving: Remove braised chicken from the oven. Plate over creamy cheese grits, generously spooning vegetables, apricots, and cooking liquid over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant final touch.

Notes

• Selecting Chicken Quality: Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture retention during long braising process.
• Browning Technique Matters: Achieve deep golden-brown exterior by ensuring dry chicken skin and hot pan before searing to develop rich caramelization.
• Wine Selection Impact: Use dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to add subtle acidity and complexity to the braising liquid.
• Resting Time Critical: Allow chicken to rest 10-15 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring tender and succulent meat throughout.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg