Name: Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 (22 oz.) package frozen popcorn chicken; 3/4 cup apricot jam; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Cooked rice, for serving

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SHORTCUT APRICOT SOY CHICKEN — Frozen popcorn chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce in this quick and easy meal.

Sometimes, you just need to take a few shortcuts with dinner. Especially during the busy holiday season.

And this Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken is one of my family’s favorite semi-homemade meals.

The shortcut here is prepared, frozen popcorn chicken. You simply add a homemade apricot and soy sauce glaze and dinner is done in less than 30 minutes!

Honestly, my husband and kids get so excited when they see I’m making this for dinner. They think they’ve died and gone to Panda Express. And it literally could not be any easier.

I use Tyson brand popcorn chicken in this recipe, and it’s just the right amount for my family.

We like to serve this chicken over rice, and you’ll want to be sure and get that started before you start your chicken, because that part of dinner comes together so quickly.

I’m sure you could use this same technique with wings or prepared chicken tenders too. Either way, a sprinkling of green onions and sesame seeds is always a nice touch.

I always keep the ingredients for this meal on hand, because I know I can throw it all together at a moment’s notice.

Truth be told, my teenagers can make it themselves. So if I’m running behind, I can just text them and they can get dinner started on their own.

Orange marmalade is a great substitute for the apricot jam. Honestly, I make the apricot version because my kids don’t like the rinds in marmalade. But either version is delicious.

Next time you’re craving Chinese take-out, make this Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken instead.

It will be done in half the time it takes you to get a delivery, and everyone will love it!

Be sure to save this Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.

Tips for Making Perfect Rice

How much water? You’ll often hear that you should use 2 cups of water per cup of rice. But I find my rice is fluffier when I use 1 3/4 cups water per cup of rice.

Different types of rice (brown, Basmati, short/long grain, etc.) may require different ratios of water. Don’t forget to add about a teaspoon of salt to the water before you add the rice.

Cooking time: Let your rice simmer on low for about 18 minutes, then remove from heat and allow the rice to steam in the pot for another 5 minutes. Do not uncover (or stir) your rice during cooking.

Serving: When your rice is done, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, rather than stirring it with a spoon.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken

Frozen popcorn chicken
Apricot jam
Soy sauce
Brown sugar
Red pepper flakes,
Rice, for serving

Shortcut Apricot Soy Chicken

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Frozen popcorn chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce in this quick and easy meal.

Ingredients

1 (22 oz.) package frozen popcorn chicken
3/4 cup apricot jam
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

Prepare popcorn chicken according to package directions.
Meanwhile, whisk together remaining ingredients in a small bowl.
Pour cooked popcorn chicken into a large bowl and toss with apricot and soy sauce mixture. Serve immediately over cooked rice.