Barbequed Apricot Chicken

 BBQ Apricot Chicken

   I like to make baked chicken because it really retains the flavors.  In this scenario I did not make my own BBQ sauce, but I did "doctor" it up with apricots.  Baked fruit really add a sweet component to anything with a little spice.  This is an easy dish you can make and serve with any side dish you like.  I served this with fresh sweet corn, and it would also go well with sautéed spinach and fresh pasta salad for a cookout. A perfect summer dish! You can also try grilling the chicken with BBQ sauce, and then grilling the apricots separately face down.  Add the apricots on top of the chicken when serving. 

Tip: When looking for BBQ sauce, try to pick one that is low in sugar and carbohydrates.  I also like to use organic, and one with a little bit of a spicy kick, such as organic Woodstock Hickory BBQ sauce. 

Healthy tip: Apricots have a high level of beta carotene in the body, which is a great antioxidant for skin, immune health, and vision. 

Ingredients

• 1 lb of organic chicken breast or thighs
• 5-6 medium sized apricots
• 1 glass jar of organic BBQ sauce
• sweet corn

Recipe: 

1. Preheat oven to 375. In a large glass baking dish, lay out the chicken breasts. 
2. Cover the chicken in the BBQ sauce. 
3. Cut the apricots in half, remove the pits.  Lay the apricots in the baking dish.  Mix the apricots into the BBQ sauce. 
4. Baked for about 40-45 minutes until the chicken is tender.  
5. For the corn, boil the corn in a large pot of hot water.  Serve with butter (or olive oil) and salt.