Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet

Introduction

The Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet is a celebration of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors—making it a dish that stands out with its Mediterranean flair. Tender chicken simmers with juicy apricots, toasted pine nuts, and a bright blend of herbs for a rapid yet elegant meal suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

A compelling reason to try this recipe: it comes together in one pan, saving on clean-up, while rich fruit and nut undertones ensure there’s never a dull bite. This skillet meal both delights and surprises, making it a crowd‑pleaser for groups or a memorable solo dinner.

Why This Chicken Skillet Works

What makes this dish unique is the artful, balanced pairing of naturally sweet dried apricots and buttery pine nuts—both slowly stewed with chicken, seasoned aromatics, and a touch of wine or stock for extra depth. The result: melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a glossy, flavor-packed pan sauce that’s perfect over rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

Prep Tips for Maximum Flavor

Prepping the skillet ingredients properly lets their flavors shine. Use a dedicated board to chop onions, garlic, and apricots, helping them mingle without muddling flavors. For efficiency, try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice onions and garlic while keeping uniform sizes—which helps ingredients cook evenly.

Slice the dried apricots thinly for even distribution throughout the dish, and toast pine nuts separately to enhance their aroma before mixing with the chicken. If you want to ensure your chicken is cooked just right, check doneness with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking—an easy way to avoid dryness.

Cooking Your Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet

The magic happens in one pan. Begin by browning the chicken, then simmer it alongside golden sautéed onions, garlic, and silky apricots. Deglaze with chicken broth or a splash of white wine for complexity. The use of a great nonstick or cast iron skillet, such as the Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, helps achieve a perfect sear and beautifully melds flavors during simmering.

Once the pine nuts are toasted to golden perfection (you can do this briefly in the same skillet before the chicken), stir them through the finished dish before serving. Fresh herbs—such as thyme or parsley—bring color and brightness.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Pair your Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet with a pile of herbed couscous or fluffy rice. Looking to pack leftovers for lunch? Transfer cooled portions to a Bentgo Salad Container for easy, no-spill transport.

If expecting guests or prepping ahead, store the finished dish in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers to keep chicken juicy and pine nuts crisp.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Each portion is balanced: high in protein, with beneficial fiber and healthy fats from nuts, and natural sweetness from dried fruit. Depending on size of chicken pieces and serving accompaniments, each serving is roughly 350–400 calories.

Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet (Recap)

If you’re seeking a dish with beautifully blended Mediterranean flavors, the Apricot Pine Nuts Chicken Skillet delivers. Its streamlined method means less mess, while its sweet, savory, and nutty notes offer an irresistible twist on classic chicken.

Instructions

1. Heat a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 2 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add onions to the skillet, using the residual juices; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds.
4. Add sliced apricots and stir to coat. Return chicken to pan, then pour in chicken stock or white wine. Sprinkle with thyme, cover, and simmer 8–10 minutes (until chicken reaches 165°F—check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
5. Remove lid; simmer uncovered 2 more minutes to slightly reduce the sauce. Stir in toasted pine nuts. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. For extra brightness, add a touch of lemon zest before serving. Enjoy with bread, couscous, or salad.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes