Apricot-Glazed Rosemary BBQ Chicken

How many times have you gone out to eat, just to be disappointed by what you ordered?  I often think that I could make my food better at home.

Well, a few weeks ago, my husband and I went out to dinner.  I ordered the Apricot Glazed Chicken 'cuz it sounded really yummy.  I'm one of those people who loves sweet and savory things together.  

I got my dinner and was totally disappointed.  I knew I could make it WAY better myself!

So I did!

I added a few extras to mine, though.  Really the only thing the Apricot Chicken that I ordered had on it was apricot jam, which is why it was so disappointing.

Here's my recipe:

Apricot-Glazed Rosemary BBQ Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1 15.5 oz jar Smucker’s Low Sugar Apricot Preserves {I used almost a whole jar}

2-3 Tbsp Barbecue sauce {use your favorite or whatever is in your fridge}

½ tsp Onion Powder

1 tsp Garlic Salt

2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary {or about 1 tsp dried rosemary}

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

I used low sugar jam because we try to cut out sugar wherever we can at our house.  And I love this Smucker's Low Sugar Apricot Preserves.  I can't even tell it's low sugar and it's really yummy!  But, I've only found it at Walmart - just a little FYI for you:

So here's what you do:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.   

In a bowl, combine apricot preserves, barbecue sauce, onion powder, garlic salt, rosemary and onions.  Set aside.   

Make sure your chicken is trimmed.  There's nothing worse than biting into a piece of chicken that hasn't been trimmed.  Cut each chicken breast into three parts, like so:

  {I decided to do this after it was all ready to go in the oven.  I wanted the chicken to cook faster so I took the breasts out and cut them up}

Line a 9x13 pan with aluminum foil (it will make the clean-up so fast and easy!!!  I do this with lots of dishes) and drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Arrange your chicken in the bottom of the pan.  Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides:

 {This pic obviously taken before I decided to cut the breasts up}

  Spoon the glaze mixture over the chicken:

 Bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.  And, voila!

It looks and smells delish!

Serve with a couple sides of veggies, or even over rice.  I served mine with a baked potato and roasted brussels sprouts {I had some from my Bountiful Basket - they had been sitting in my fridge for a week or two and I finally decided I wouldn't be scared of them!  And you know what?  I actually liked them!  I tried this recipe.  I also think they would be really yummy with a little fresh lemon juice}:

 I think I will make this in the crock pot next time.  Just add all ingredients and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours.  You wouldn't need to cut the breasts into three parts if you did it that way.  I'm a sucker for super easy slow cooker recipes {feel free to share any of your favorites with me!}.

And a close-up:

Try it!  You won't be disappointed!