Best 8 Lemon Apricot Chicken Lighter Recipes

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Lemon apricot chicken is a classic dish that is often served with rice or noodles. This sweet and tangy dish is typically made with chicken breasts, lemon juice, apricot preserves, and a variety of spices. While this classic dish is delicious, it is also high in calories and fat. This article will provide several recipes for a lighter version of lemon apricot chicken that is just as flavorful as the traditional dish, but without the added calories and fat.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

LEMON-APRICOT CHICKEN



Lemon-Apricot Chicken image

Add a citrus twist to your regular chicken tonight - perfect for a dinner that's ready in less than an hour.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2/3 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425°. Spray15x10-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Beat egg and water slightly. Stir together baking mix, lemon peel and garlic powder.
  • Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with baking mix mixture. Place in pan. Drizzle with melted butter.
  • Bake uncovered 20 minutes; turn chicken. Bake about 10 minutes longer or until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Heat remaining ingredients in 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm. Spoon over chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 510, Carbohydrate 57 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 1 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 570 mg, Sugar 27 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g

LEMON-APRICOT CHICKEN (LIGHTER)



Lemon-Apricot Chicken (lighter) image

Wake up dinner with crispy-coated baked chicken covered in a refreshing lemon and apricot sauce.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup fat-free cholesterol-free egg product or 2 egg whites
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Bisquick Heart Smart® mix
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
6 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
2/3 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Lemon slices, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425°F. Spray 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking spray. In shallow bowl, beat egg product and water slightly. In another shallow bowl, mix Bisquick mix, lemon peel and garlic powder.
  • Between pieces of plastic wrap or waxed paper, place each chicken breast smooth side down; gently pound with flat side of meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/2 inch thick. Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with Bisquick mixture. Place in pan. Spray chicken with cooking spray.
  • Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Turn; bake 10 minutes longer or until juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Cut chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.
  • In 1-quart saucepan, mix all remaining ingredients except lemon slices. Cook over medium-low heat until hot, stirring frequently. Cut chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch slices; pour sauce over chicken. Garnish with lemon slices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 260, Carbohydrate 39 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Fat 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 270 mg, Sugar 19 g, TransFat 0 g

APRICOT CHICKEN I



Apricot Chicken I image

Tangy, fruity chicken made in just 3 easy steps! It's great served with rice.

Provided by Shirley Rickey

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 4

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 ½ (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix
1 (10 fluid ounce) bottle Russian-style salad dressing
1 cup apricot preserves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the chicken pieces in a 4 quart casserole dish. Mix the soup mix, dressing and jam together, and pour over the chicken.
  • Cover dish and bake for 1 hour in preheated oven.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 455.8 calories, Carbohydrate 55.7 g, Cholesterol 68.4 mg, Fat 13.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 28.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 1134.3 mg, Sugar 44.4 g

CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS, LEMON AND SAFFRON



Chicken With Apricots, Lemon and Saffron image

Here is a spice-perfumed braised chicken dish that is greater than the sum of its parts, with complex flavor that belies the ease of preparation. As a bonus, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance, since it reheats beautifully.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, lunch, poultry, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

6 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (About 2 pounds total), fat trimmed
Salt and pepper
1/8 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 large onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/2 cup tomato purée
Pinch of cayenne
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon green cardamom pods
1 cup white wine
6 ounces dried apricots, about 1 cup
2 small lemons, thinly sliced (do not peel)
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Mint leaves, for garnish
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • Season chicken generously on both sides with salt and pepper. (If time permits, do this an hour before cooking or up to 24 hours in advance. Keep refrigerated, but remove from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking.)
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, place chicken pieces skin-side down in one layer. Let chicken cook slowly to brown well on one side, about 15 to 20 minutes. When skin is crisp and lifts easily from the pan, it is ready. Flip and cook 2 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, make saffron water: In a small cup, combine saffron with lemon juice and 1/4 cup water. Set aside to steep.
  • Heat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer chicken, skin-side up, to a baking dish. Pour off some fat from the skillet, reserving about 2 tablespoons. Add onions, salt lightly and cook, stirring, until softened and beginning to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Add saffron water and threads, tomato purée, cayenne, coriander, fennel, cardamom and wine to onions and bring to a simmer.
  • Pour onion mixture over chicken. Tuck apricots and lemon slices among the chicken pieces. Cover tightly and bake for 1 hour. Remove cover and bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. (Recipe can be prepared to this point up to 2 days ahead. When ready to serve, reheat in a 350-degree oven, in a covered pot, 30 to 45 minutes.)
  • To serve, garnish with cilantro and mint leaves. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 464, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 28 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 712 milligrams, Sugar 19 grams, TransFat 0 grams

LEMON-APRICOT CHICKEN



Lemon-Apricot Chicken image

Do you love lemon or orange chicken at Chinese restaurants? Then this recipe is for you! It's from Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cookbook. It is divine. The ginger adds a subtle yet distinct tangy-ness to the sauce; I haven't tried it yet, but I wonder if orange marmalade would work as a substitute for the apricot preserves.

Provided by Besu1126

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 40m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Bisquick
1 tablespoon lemon peel, grated
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2/3 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 425-degrees. Flatten each chicken breast half to 1/2-inch thickness between waxed paper or plastic wrap.
  • Spread 1 tablespoon of the melted butter in jelly roll pan or edged cookie sheet.
  • Beat egg and water together slightly.
  • Mix Bisquick, lemon peel, and garlic powder.
  • Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with Bisquick mixture. Place in pan. Drizzle with remaining melted butter.
  • Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then turn chicken. Bake about 10 minutes longer or until juice of the chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.
  • Assemble Lemon-Apricot Sauce and heat in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat until warm. (This can be started with just a few minutes left on the chicken.).
  • Cut chicken crosswise into slices, and top with sauce. Enjoy! Tastes great served with rice.

APRICOT - LEMON JAM



Apricot - Lemon Jam image

Very tangy, not too sweet! Heaven must taste like this. Got this from the NPR website, with a story about going to pick the apricots at the orchard every summer. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12195825 Note: I pack the apricot halves firmly into the measuring cup so they are bursting full when I measure them. If you don't pack them in as firmly, you might want to use a few more apricots. Also, a note about the serving size: this assumes you are using a tablespoon or so as a serving to spread on a piece of bread. In my experience, this recipe makes just less than a pint of jam.

Provided by Susiecat too

Categories     Lemon

Time 1h15m

Yield 1 pint, 32 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

4 cups apricots, halved and pitted
1 cup sugar
1 lemon, juice and zest of

Steps:

  • Don't worry about the skin, which disappears in the course of cooking.
  • Bring to a boil, lower heat, and cook until the mixture turns a bit darker and looks like jam when you let it dribble off a spoon (about 45 to 60 minutes.).
  • Stir it frequently enough that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
  • You can skim off the lighter colored stuff that rises to the top if you want, otherwise it seems to just disappear after a while.
  • Wash and can according to canner instructions.
  • Or, keeps well in refrigerator only, about 2-3 months, or in freezer, up to 12 months.

LEMON-APRICOT CHICKEN



Lemon-Apricot Chicken image

Number Of Ingredients 13

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/4 pounds)
1/4 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Original Bisquick®
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
lemon -Apricot Sauce (below)
Lemon-Apricot Sauce:
2/3 dash apricot preserves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to 425°. Flatten each chicken breast half to 1/2-inch thickness between sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the melted margarine in jelly roll pan, 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch.2. Beat egg and water slightly. Mix Bisquick, lemon peel and garlic powder. Dip chicken into egg mixture, then coat with Bisquick mixture. Place in pan. Drizzle with remaining melted margarine.3. Bake uncovered 20 minutes turn chicken. Bake about 10 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut. Make Lemon-Apricot Sauce. Cut chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Pour sauce over chicken.Lemon-Apricot Sauce2/3 cup apricot preserves2 tablespoons lemon juice1/2 teaspoon soy sauce1/4 teaspoon ground gingerHeat all ingredients in 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.HIGH ALTITUDE (3500 to 6500 feet): No changes.NUTRITION FACTS: 1 Serving: Calories 340 (Calories from Fat 125) Fat 14g (Saturated 4g) Cholesterol 80mg Sodium 470mg Carbohydrate 36g (Dietary Fiber 1g) Protein 19g % DAILY VALUE: Vitamin A 12% Vitamin C 4% Calcium 6% Iron 8% DIET EXCHANGES: 2 Starch 2 Lean Meat 1/2 Fruit 1 FatBETTY'S TIP: Serve this citrus-kissed chicken with a side of hot cooked rice. Want to try something a little different? Fried rice makes a nice accompaniment.From "Betty Crocker's Bisquick Cookbook." Text Copyright 2000 General Mills, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Wiley Publishing, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Nutrition Facts : Nutritional Facts Serves

QUICK APRICOT ALMOND CHICKEN



Quick Apricot Almond Chicken image

Our home economists streamlined Sherry Keller's favorite dish to make it even speedier to assemble. The succulent chicken entree has a sweet apricot sauce and a lovely look. "For variety, try it with other preserves," Sherry notes from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
1 cup apricot preserves
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sliced almonds
Hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, mustard, garlic, pepper and 1/2 cup oil. Pour 1/2 cup marinade into a large resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade. , Drain and discard marinade from chicken. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in remaining oil for 8-10 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine cornstarch and broth until smooth. Stir in the preserves, butter and reserved marinade. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Spoon over chicken; sprinkle with almonds. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • For a healthier version of the dish, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of butter used.
  • If you don't have apricot preserves, you can use another type of fruit preserves, such as peach or orange.
  • Add a teaspoon of grated lemon zest to the chicken marinade for extra flavor.
  • Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or potatoes, for a complete meal.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan over medium heat.

Conclusion:

Lemon Apricot Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of lemon juice, apricot preserves, and herbs, then grilled until cooked through. The result is a succulent and juicy chicken dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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