Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! This mouthwatering Chicken Thighs with Sherry and Apricots recipe is about to become your new obsession, blending rich Mediterranean flavors with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine tender, crispy-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a luxurious sherry and apricot sauce that's so irresistible, you'll be dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup dried apricots
- 1 cup sherry
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the sherry, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, creating a flavorful base.
- Add dried apricots to the skillet and stir to combine with the sherry and onion mixture.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and apricots.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the lid and let the sauce reduce for an additional 5 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, spooning the apricot and sherry sauce over the chicken thighs.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crispy skin that will make your dish look and taste restaurant-quality.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven for even heat distribution and better browning of the chicken.
- Don't rush the skin-browning process - those golden, crispy edges are packed with flavor and provide a beautiful texture contrast.
- Choose a good quality dry sherry for the best depth of flavor. Avoid cooking sherries, which can be overly salty.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end, you can quickly reduce it by simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of toasted almonds before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 150mg
