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Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this sensational recipe for Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice. Picture succulent boneless chicken thighs coated in a luscious apricot glaze, served alongside fluffy cauliflower rice that’s as light as a cloud. The best part? This impressive dish comes together in under 30 minutes with just three simple ingredients!
Imagine the sweet and savory flavors of the sticky apricot glaze perfectly complementing the tender chicken, while the cauliflower rice adds a delightful balance to each bite. This dish has been a lifesaver for unexpected guests and busy evenings, impressing even the toughest critics. Whether it’s a last-minute dinner or a planned meal, this recipe is a winner every time. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the magic of this Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice that promises to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Quick Benefits
- Quick and easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes
- Versatile recipe with options to add spice, grill, or serve with different sides
- Leftovers keep well, flavors intensify over time, and it’s great for meal prep
- Impressive dish that tastes like it took a lot of effort, but requires minimal brainpower
Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Sweet and Sticky Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the sweet and sticky chicken glaze that pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy cauliflower rice.
- Versatile and Customizable: Make it your own by adding a spicy kick with sriracha or chili garlic sauce, or elevate the presentation with sliced green onions and sesame seeds in just 30 seconds.
- Meal Prep Champion: Enjoy the convenience of delicious leftovers that only get better with time. Perfect for busy weeks or quick lunches with lettuce wraps.
- Long-Lasting Flavor: The sauce penetrates the chicken more as it sits, making leftovers incredibly flavorful, and you can store cooked chicken in its sauce for up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: The magic of apricot preserves and soy sauce creates a sweet-savory balance that proves less is more when it comes to creating a delicious meal.
- Healthy Twist: Swap traditional rice for cauliflower rice for a lighter option that even the skeptics in your family will love.
Ingredients for 3-Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Sweet and Sticky
Chicken & Glaze
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Cauliflower Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Sweet and Sticky
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Combine apricot preserves and soy sauce in a small bowl. Pour over chicken and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare Cauliflower Rice
In another pan, cook the riced cauliflower with a pinch of salt until tender, for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
Divide cauliflower rice onto plates, arrange glazed chicken pieces on top, and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Storage Tips
Once the Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice is prepared, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s recommended to store the chicken and cauliflower rice separately to prevent the rice from absorbing all the sauce and becoming soggy. When reheating, add a splash of water to the chicken and sauce before gently microwaving to retain moisture and prevent drying out. This dish actually improves in flavor as it sits, as the sauce penetrates the chicken more over time, making the leftovers incredibly tasty.
For longer storage or meal prep, the cooked chicken in its sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. The chicken thaws and reheats beautifully, maintaining its delicious flavors. However, it’s advisable to make fresh cauliflower rice when serving after freezing. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal, for meal prep, or to impress guests, this apricot chicken dish is versatile and convenient, offering a flavorful and satisfying option with minimal effort and ingredients.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have apricot preserves on hand, you can easily substitute them with other fruit preserves like peach, mango, or even orange marmalade for a slightly different flavor profile. The key is to choose a preserve that is sweet and slightly tangy to achieve the desired sticky glaze effect for the chicken. Adjust the sweetness level by tasting the glaze before cooking and adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors.
In place of soy sauce, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative. Tamari has a similar umami-rich flavor to soy sauce, while coconut aminos offer a slightly sweeter taste. If you prefer a low-sodium option, you can dilute the soy sauce with water or use a reduced-sodium soy sauce. Experiment with different soy sauce alternatives to find what suits your taste preferences. Additionally, for a flavor twist, you can try using teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce as a replacement for the soy sauce to create a different depth of flavor in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice in individual mini cast iron skillets. Arrange the tender chicken thighs on a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice, drizzle the sticky apricot glaze over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions. This rustic and charming way of serving will make your dish look like a gourmet restaurant creation, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or even a small gathering with friends.
Elevate the flavor profile of the dish by adding a side of tangy quick-pickled cucumbers. The refreshing crunch and acidic kick of the pickles will provide a delightful contrast to the sweet and sticky chicken, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Simply slice some cucumbers thinly, toss them in a mixture of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar, and let them marinate while you prepare the rest of the meal. The pop of tangy flavor from the pickles will take your apricot chicken experience to a whole new level, impressing your taste buds with each bite.
FAQs for 3-Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Sweet and Sticky
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be mindful that chicken breasts cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
Can I substitute apricot preserves with another fruit preserve?
Yes, you can substitute apricot preserves with peach, mango, or even orange preserves if you prefer. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious with a different fruity twist.
How can I make the cauliflower rice less soggy when reheating leftovers?
To prevent the cauliflower rice from becoming too soggy when reheating leftovers, try sautéing it in a pan with a little bit of oil instead of microwaving it. This will help maintain its texture and prevent it from getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While the original recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Simply place the chicken, apricot preserves, and soy sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through. You can then shred the chicken and serve it with the cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice becomes a go-to for you just like it has for me. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or a flavorful meal prep option, this dish has got you covered. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the incredible flavor that comes together in this dish, proving that sometimes less really is more.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by adding your favorite twists or serving it with your preferred sides. Experiment with different flavors or presentations to suit your taste and style. Whether you stick with the classic version or try out the spicy variation, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the sweet and savory combination of the sticky apricot glaze paired with the light and fluffy cauliflower rice. So go ahead, give it a try, and let the Sweet and Sticky 3 Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
3-Ingredient Apricot Chicken with Cauliflower Rice: Sweet and Sticky
“Effortless and irresistible sweet apricot chicken with cauliflower rice, a simple 3-ingredient wonder that impresses with its sticky glaze and balanced flavors.”
Prep Time5 Minutes
Cook Time20 Minutes
Total Time25 Minutes
CuisineAsian-Fusion
Skill LevelEasy
Servings4 Servings
Ingredients
Chicken & Glaze
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1.5 lbs (about 4 cups) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup apricot preserves
Cauliflower Rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups riced cauliflower
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
-
Make the Glaze: Combine apricot preserves and soy sauce in a small bowl. Pour over chicken and simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
-
Prepare Cauliflower Rice: In another pan, cook the riced cauliflower with a pinch of salt until tender, for about 3-4 minutes.
-
Serve: Divide cauliflower rice onto plates, arrange glazed chicken pieces on top, and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve and enjoy!
