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Baked apricot chicken skewers with caramelized glaze on a wire rack garnished with fresh parsley and green onions

Apricot Chicken Skewers

Baked chicken skewers glazed with a sweet and tangy apricot-Dijon marinade that caramelizes under the broiler and doubles as a homemade dipping sauce.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 5 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 366

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2/3 cup apricot preserves
  • 3 tbsp smooth Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 1 tsp ground sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 5 tbsp water divided — 2 tbsp for marinade, 3 tbsp for dipping sauce
  • chopped fresh parsley optional garnish
  • thinly sliced green onions optional garnish

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Skewers (bamboo or metal)
  • Small saucepan
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before starting. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F with a rack in the center. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and set a greased wire rack on top.
  2. Whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, and 2 tbsp water until smooth.
  3. Transfer half of the marinade to a small saucepan and set aside for the dipping sauce. Do this before adding raw chicken.
  4. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers. Season all sides with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Brush generously with half of the remaining marinade. Arrange on the wire rack with space between skewers.
  5. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165 degrees F at the thickest piece. The glaze will look set and dry — that is normal.
  6. While the chicken roasts, add 3 tbsp water to the reserved marinade saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
  7. Remove pan from oven and switch to broil on high. Baste the tops of the skewers with remaining marinade from the bowl. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until caramelized and lightly browned. Watch closely — the preserves burn quickly.
  8. Rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm with the apricot-Dijon dipping sauce.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers for at least 30 minutes before use. Chicken thighs can substitute breasts — add 2 to 3 minutes to cook time. Can be grilled on medium-high for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Leftover chicken keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days and works great in grain bowls or wraps.