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    Home » What We're Eating » Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus

    Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus

    Published: Mar 31, 2017 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    A collage image of sheet pan honey apricot chicken

    This Sheet Pan Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus is a healthy and fresh Spring dinner that cooks entirely on one tray! The easy weeknight meal requires just 10 minutes of prep for a simple, family-friendly dish that will make your tastebuds sing.

    Honey Apricot chicken on a baking tray with asparagus

    Hey, friends! Happy Friday to you! Is it spring yet where you live? Is your asparagus in season? According to my unscientific observations from the grocery store produce department (and the rainy week that we've had), I can tell you that it's definitely that time of year in Virginia!

    When I noticed the asparagus on sale at my local grocery store last weekend, I scooped up multiple pounds of the green goodness to use in dinners for the week. Plus, it was the vegetable "special" when Keith and I went out to eat at a local farm-to-table restaurant last Saturday.

    If it's cheap, fresh, and delicious, you better believe that I'm going to take advantage while it lasts!

    An overhead shot of honey apricot chicken with asparagus

    Since my husband and boys wouldn't find a tray of asparagus to be an acceptable dinner on its own, I figured that I better add some chicken to bulk up our recent supper. With half a jar of apricot preserves in the refrigerator, this meal was born!

    A close up of Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus on a sheet pan

    Sheet Pan dinners are the only way to go -- they're just SO easy. The best part is definitely at the end...when there is only ONE TRAY to wash. Can't beat that!

    Serving Suggestions

    I like to pair the chicken and asparagus with a simple side dish that doesn't require much effort, and that doesn't utilize any additional dishes. A few slices of crusty bread works perfectly for soaking up any of the extra apricot glaze, while microwaveable pouches of rice are another handy option.

    You could also try serving this with roast potatoes, mash, roasted squash, green beans, broccoli or any veg you prefer!

    A close up of honey apricot chicken on a tray with asparagus

    You're going to love this preparation method for chicken and asparagus! Thanks to the sweet glaze, the chicken stays moist and tender on the inside while getting a nice, crispy char on the outside. The asparagus is tender, but still a beautiful shade of bright spring green. No mushy, bland veggies here!

    Tips For Making Honey Apricot Chicken

    • Cooking for Two? This is a perfect meal to scale down for smaller quantities. Just cook one or two chicken breasts on your tray and cut the rest of the ingredients in half as well!
    • Want to Prep Ahead? Make the apricot sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also trim and wash the asparagus ahead of time so that when you're ready to make dinner, there's absolutely NO prep work necessary -- just place on the tray and bake!
    • If you're not a fan of parsley, basil is another herb that will go really well with this apricot chicken.

    I hope that you love this new, simple dinner to add to your weeknight routine. It's a perfect way to welcome the warmer weather!

    More Chicken Recipes You Might Like;

    • Crispy Roast Chicken with Vegetables
    • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
    • Maria's Ranch Chicken Kabobs
    • Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Marinade
    Print Pin
    5 from 5 votes

    Sheet Pan Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus

    This honey apricot chicken only requires 10 minutes prep and is full of flavor! Better yet it's all made on one pan so there's less cleaning up involved too!
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Apricot Chicken, Apricot Glaze, Honey Chicken
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 26 minutes
    Total Time 36 minutes
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 352kcal
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs. total)
    • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
    • ¼ cup apricot preserves
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce can substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option
    • ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 lb. asparagus about 1 bunch, woody ends removed
    • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven 400°F (200C). Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Place chicken breasts in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
    • In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, apricot preserves, honey, garlic, soy sauce, salt and pepper. Pour about ½ cup of the apricot dressing over the chicken, reserving ¼ cup for later.
    • Bake chicken for about 20 minutes, or until almost cooked through.
    • Remove pan from the oven and switch oven setting to BROIL.
    • Place asparagus on the tray around the chicken. Baste chicken and asparagus with remaining apricot dressing.
    • Place tray under the broiler and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until asparagus is tender and chicken is crispy.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

    Notes

    Tips For Making Honey Apricot Chicken

    • Cooking for Two? This is a perfect meal to scale down for smaller quantities. Just cook one or two chicken breasts on your tray and cut the rest of the ingredients in half as well!
    • Want to Prep Ahead? Make the apricot sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also trim and wash the asparagus ahead of time so that when you're ready to make dinner, there's absolutely NO prep work necessary -- just place on the tray and bake!
    • If you're not a fan of parsley, basil is another herb that will go really well with this apricot chicken.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1piece chicken + ¼ asparagus | Calories: 352kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 55.1g | Fat: 3.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.9g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 588mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 17.7g
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bethany @ athletic avocado

      March 31, 2017 at 5:09 pm

      Yay for asparagus season! I'm in love with sheet pan dinners as it is, and this recipe only adds on to my list of ones to make! Mmmm that sweet sticky sauce!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 31, 2017 at 9:12 pm

        Thanks so much, Bethany! I agree -- LOVE asparagus season (and one tray dinners)!

        Reply
    2. mary

      March 31, 2017 at 8:35 pm

      do you think you could freeze this after step 4 and then defrost and proceed with the rest of the recipe?

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 31, 2017 at 9:14 pm

        Hi, Mary! I'm honestly not sure -- I've never tried that. I also don't know how the asparagus would freeze. I worry that the texture would be mushy or watery when it thaws again...but I'm not sure! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

      March 31, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      What a fun use for apricot preserves, Blair! I'm always on the hunt for more sheet pan meals, so this chicken and asparagus dish is calling my name. Love the flavors of this too...sounds perfect for dinner!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 31, 2017 at 9:14 pm

        Thanks so much, Gayle! I'm always up for an excuse to eat apricot preserves -- especially if it doesn't require too many dishes! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Kristy from Southern In Law

      April 02, 2017 at 11:00 pm

      What a delicious combination! I know my Dad would LOVE this as he loves any kind of savoury dish that uses apricots! It always grossed me out when I was a kid - but now I totally get it!

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 03, 2017 at 6:04 am

        Thanks, Kristy! I'm a huge fan of using apricots in savory dishes too...you Dad is a wise man. 🙂

        Reply
    5. Melanie

      April 16, 2017 at 8:11 pm

      Have you ever marinated chicken in this and then baked it? Does the sauce caramelized and get gooey and burn?

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 17, 2017 at 8:46 am

        Hi, Melanie! I have not tried marinating the chicken in the sauce first. I think that would work fine. The sugars in the sauce definitely caramelize on the pan as it cooks, but it does not burn on the chicken. I like how the broiler finishes it off and makes it crispy at the end, but just keep an eye on it -- the broiler works fast and you'll want to take it out when it reaches the desired finish.

        Reply
        • Melanie

          April 18, 2017 at 10:41 pm

          5 stars
          I used as a marinade and cooked according to directions. I made this for 150 people and it was AMAZING!!! Rave reviews, great recipe, so simple. It's a keeper! I did use simply orange juice, pulp free to simplify process.

          Reply
          • Blair

            April 19, 2017 at 5:57 pm

            That's great, Melanie! I'm so glad that it was a hit! Thank you for letting me know! 🙂

            Reply
    6. lee

      April 18, 2017 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Blair,

      I love this one! I have had apricot chicken and honey chicken but to mix them both? Had not thought do do that! It looks absolutely amazing, your photography skills are bang on! You can almost smell and taste the chicken!

      I will definitely be adding this one to my to do (and enjoy) list!

      Many thanks for the great recipe

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 18, 2017 at 1:36 pm

        Thanks so much, Lee! It's a great combo!

        Reply
    7. Abigail

      March 02, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      Should I broil in low or high? Looking forward to trying tonight!

      Reply
      • Blair

        March 02, 2018 at 6:00 pm

        Hey, Abigail! I'd broil on high, but be sure to keep your eye on it because it can burn quickly if you get distracted. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Callie

      May 21, 2018 at 10:17 pm

      I saw this recipe in a Buzzfeed article and had to try it! So glad I did, it was delicious! My husband and daughter loved it as much as I did. And the quick prep and clean-up made me even happier. Thanks! I’ll be browsing through your other recipes now!

      Reply
      • Blair

        May 22, 2018 at 6:18 am

        Hey, Callie! I'm so glad that you found the recipe and that you've stopped by the blog. Hopefully you'll discover many more easy recipes to add to your rotation. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Pam

      July 05, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      So glad I found this recipe! It was so tasty and easy to make. All 3 of my kids are it and asked for more, that is a big deal!!!

      Reply
      • Blair

        July 05, 2018 at 8:50 pm

        Yay! Thanks, Pam! I'm so glad that you found it, too!

        Reply
    10. Julie

      August 26, 2018 at 3:29 pm

      Is there another vegetable you could substitute for the asparagus?

      Reply
      • Blair

        August 26, 2018 at 3:55 pm

        Hey, Julie! Yes, you can use broccolini (thin broccoli) or green beans!

        Reply
    11. John Klasen

      April 03, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      This was a fantastic dish, I doubled the sauce and added some ginger paste (gave it a bit of bite)! A note for those using extra chunky preserves though, make the sauce in a blender or small food processor, it makes the mixture a lot smoother.

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 04, 2021 at 5:41 am

        Great tip, John! Thanks for your note. 🙂

        Reply
    12. Lexi

      April 18, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      My Oven doesn’t have a broiler option. Will this still be good if it only bakes?

      Reply
      • Blair

        April 18, 2021 at 2:38 pm

        Hi, Lexi! Yes -- it just won't have that crispy finish. You can crank up the heat on your oven to the highest temp (usually about 500 degrees F) and essentially achieve the same effect at the end, if you want. Enjoy!

        Reply
    13. Kelly

      January 27, 2022 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      this was delicious and easy!

      Reply
      • Blair Lonergan

        January 27, 2022 at 12:51 pm

        Thank you, Kelly!

        Reply

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