Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken for Festive Feasts

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s something truly enchanting about the infusions of flavor that fill your kitchen when preparing roast chicken, especially when it s drizzled with a sumptuous Apricot, Orange and Butter glaze. Every time I make this dish, the sweet and citrusy aroma wafts through my home, making it impossible for anyone not to gather around the table in anticipation. It s just perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, making any occasion feel festive, even if it s just another Tuesday night.

With its luscious glaze, perfectly caramelized skin, and a juicy tender interior, this dish doesn t just look stunning on a plate it tastes heavenly too! Plus, it s surprisingly simple to whip up, ensuring that you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. So, let s dive into this delicious roast chicken recipe that promises to elevate your dining experience and impress your loved ones!

Why Choose Apricot Orange And Butter Glazed Chicken?

Simplicity at its best: This recipe is straightforward, allowing anyone to create a stunning dish without advanced skills.

Irresistible aroma: As it roasts, the sweet and tangy scent fills your home, inviting everyone to the table.

Crowd pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it guarantees satisfied smiles all around.

Juicy and tender: The glaze ensures that every bite is succulent, while the caramelized skin adds a satisfying crunch.

Versatile: Pair it with a range of sides, from roasted vegetables to simple salads, making it adaptable to any season.

With the Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken, elevate your dining experience and impress your loved ones effortlessly!

Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken Ingredients

Prepare to embark on a flavor journey with these essential components!

For the Chicken

• Whole Chicken This is the main protein that brings the dish together; you can also substitute with Cornish hens for smaller servings.
• Salted Butter Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt content.

For the Glaze

• Apricot Jam This sweetener helps create a luscious glaze; try peach preserves or honey for a different flavor profile.
• Orange Juice It brightens up the glaze with a zesty kick; lemon juice can be used for a sharper taste if you re feeling adventurous.
• Brown Sugar Enhances caramelization in the glaze; remember to reduce the amount if using a sweeter jam like apricot.

Flavor Infusers

• Lemon Stuffing the chicken with lemon adds a fragrant burst of flavor; lime can be used for a unique citrus note.
• Brown Onion In the cavity, it infuses flavor; shallots can serve as a milder alternative.
• Garlic Provides delicious depth; if you re short on fresh cloves, garlic powder can work in a pinch.

For Roasting

• Carrots These sweeten the roast and make for a perfect side; consider substituting with parsnips or sweet potatoes for variation.
• Red Onion Caramelizes beautifully with the chicken; yellow onions are a great standard alternative.
• Fresh Sage This herb brings an earthy aroma; thyme or rosemary can give a different herbaceous touch if desired.

Gather these ingredients for a mouthwatering experience you ll love!

How to Make Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken

1. Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apricot jam, orange juice, and brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly; set aside.

2. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 200 °C (about 390 °F), ensuring it s nice and hot for perfect roasting.

3. Prepare Chicken: Place the whole chicken in a large baking tray. Stuff it with lemon and onion halves for added flavor, then tie the legs together with cooking twine to keep everything secure.

4. Apply Glaze: Generously brush the chicken with your prepared glaze, making sure every part is coated with that delicious mixture. Reserve some glaze for basting later.

5. Bake Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting with the saved glaze every 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F) to ensure it s fully cooked.

6. Add Vegetables: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, surround it with chopped carrots, red onion, and garlic. Dot everything with butter, season, and return to the oven for a deliciously roasted finish.

7. Rest Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a full 10 minutes before carving. This step helps retain all those wonderful juices!

Optional: Serve with your favorite roasted vegetables or fresh bread to soak up the glaze.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
• Freezer: You can freeze the glazed chicken after cooking; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, defrost the chicken overnight in the fridge, then warm it in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
• Glaze Storage: Any leftover glaze can also be stored in a jar in the fridge for up to a week; use it to enhance your dishes or as a basting sauce for future meals.

Apricot Orange And Butter Glazed Chicken Variations

Customize your dish to make it your own, creating even more delightful flavors for your table!

• Jam Swap: Replace apricot jam with cherry or raspberry for a different fruity kick. The tartness will add a whole new dimension to the glaze!

• Herb Twist: Try fresh thyme or rosemary instead of sage for an aromatic variation that complements the sweetness brilliantly. Each herb brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.

• Zesty Alternative: Use grapefruit juice instead of orange for a tangy twist that still keeps the citrusy fun alive. It offers a surprising depth to your glaze.

• Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes in your glaze for a fiery flavor contrast with the sweetness. This will awaken your taste buds and impress your guests.

• Veggie Expansion: Surround the chicken with root vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for added texture and taste. They soak up the lovely drippings, becoming deliciously flavorful themselves!

• Gluten-Free: Ensure your dish remains gluten-free by opting for certified gluten-free jam and checking all other ingredients for hidden gluten sources. Happy dining without the worry!

• Citrus Medley: Combine various citrus juices like lemon, lime, and orange for a multi-layered zing, balancing sweetness with a lively brightness. Your taste buds will dance with joy!

• Smoky Flavor: Add a touch of smoked paprika to the glaze to infuse a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken. This twist offers a gourmet touch that is sure to impress.

With these variations, your Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken can adapt to any palate, ensuring there s always something new to enjoy!

What to Serve with Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken?

Elevate your feast with delightful sides that beautifully complement the succulent flavors of this stunning roast chicken.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky and buttery, they soak up the glaze s sweetness, adding a comforting touch to your meal.

• Roasted Veggies: A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables, caramelized to perfection, adds texture and balances the dish s sweetness.

• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries provides a refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Fresh Green Salad: Crisp greens tossed in a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing crunch and cleanse the palate.

• Herb-Infused Rice: Fragrant rice cooked with herbs provides a lovely base to absorb the delicious glaze from the chicken.

• Garlic Bread: Soft and warm, it s perfect for mopping up the luscious juices, adding a comforting element to the experience.

• Sparkling Lemonade: A bright drink that echoes the citrus notes in the glaze, refreshing and uplifting every bite.

• Apple Tart: For dessert, a warm apple tart brings a wonderful ending to your meal, complementing the fruity flavors perfectly!

These pairings will enhance your dining experience, creating a harmonious and memorable meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Apricot, Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while planning meals! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal flavor retention. Additionally, you can season and stuff the chicken (with lemon and onion) up to 3 days ahead. Just be sure to refrigerate the chicken until you re ready to bake to maintain its freshness. When you re set to serve, brush the chicken with the glaze, bake it in the oven as directed, and enjoy a delightful meal that tastes just as scrumptious as if you made it that day!

Expert Tips for Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken

Frequent Basting: Basting the chicken regularly with the glaze ensures a juicier, more flavorful result while providing that gorgeous caramelization.

Check Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75 °C (165 °F). Undercooking can lead to dry meat.

Resting is Key: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This step locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is succulent.

Don t Overcrowd: When adding vegetables, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they roast properly and get that lovely caramelization without steaming.

Adjusting Sweetness: If you find the glaze too sweet for your taste, reduce the amount of brown sugar or opt for tangier fruit jams.

These expert tips will help you master the art of making the perfect Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken!

Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best apricot jam for the glaze?
Absolutely! Look for apricot jam that has a rich color and a depth of flavor without too much artificial sweetness. A high-quality jam will make a marked difference in the final glaze. If you d like a more complex flavor, consider trying a fruit preserve like peach or even a mixed berry jam for a unique twist!

What s the best way to store leftover glazed chicken?
Very! To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing to avoid moisture build-up. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors again without losing out on quality!

Can I freeze Apricot Orange and Butter Glazed Chicken?
Definitely! Freezing your glazed chicken is a fantastic option for meal prep. After it s cooled down, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For reheating, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 25-30 minutes until it s heated through.

What if my chicken is still undercooked after the suggested baking time?
Don t worry! If your chicken isn t cooked through, it s likely just a matter of oven variations. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 75 °C (165 °F). If it s not there yet, simply cover the chicken with aluminum foil (to prevent additional browning) and continue to cook until it hits that perfect temperature. Basting with the glaze every 20 minutes can also help prevent dryness while cooking.

Is this recipe safe for my dog?
Great question! While the chicken itself is safe for dogs, it s essential to omit any seasoning, onions, or garlic when preparing portions for your pet. These ingredients can be harmful to dogs. You can shred some cooked chicken without any glaze or seasoning as a delightful treat for your furry friend!

How long can I keep the leftover glaze?
You can keep any leftover glaze stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure it s sealed well to maintain flavor and freshness. It makes a fantastic addition to other meats, roasts, or even drizzled over veggies so don t let it go to waste!