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Transform your weeknight dinners with these irresistible Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs! This recipe combines sweet apricot jam, spicy jalapenos, and savory garlic for a flavor-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Perfect for families or gatherings, these juicy baked chicken legs are sure to become a household favorite.

These Apricot Garlic chicken legs are sweet, spicy, sticky and so finger-lickin’ good! Very easy to make, awesome mix of flavors!

Why You’ll Love Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs

Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet apricot jam, spicy jalapenos, and garlicky goodness come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. This dish is anything but boring, making it a hit for all taste preferences.
Quick and easy prep: With just a few minutes of prep time and a food processor doing the heavy lifting, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free meal.
Kid-friendly and fun: Chicken legs are a favorite among kids who love getting messy and enjoying finger-licking meals. Even picky eaters will be delighted by the sweet and savory combination.
Budget-friendly: Chicken legs are one of the most affordable cuts of meat, proving that delicious meals don’t have to break the bank. Perfect for feeding a crowd without stretching your wallet.
Versatile and forgiving: Unlike chicken breast, which can dry out, chicken legs stay juicy and tender even if slightly overcooked. This makes the recipe nearly foolproof for cooks of any skill level.

What could be more perfect for a weeknight dinner than chicken legs? This delicious sweet & spicy sauce is made in just one minute in a food processor by combining apricot jam, jalapeno pepper, garlic and soy sauce. Food processor really makes things so much easier – no mincing garlic and jalapeno by hand, just give the food processor a whirl and it does it all for you!

Chicken legs are smothered with this sticky yummy sauce and baked in the oven, and they come out bursting with flavor. This tasty combination of sweet, spicy and garlicky flavors turns those ordinary chicken legs into a zesty exciting dish!

Chicken legs are a perfect way to feed a large family. Most kids, including picky eaters, love them, and have fun getting messy and licking their fingers :) There is just something mysteriously enticing about holding a piece of meat on the bone!

Also, chicken legs are one of the cheapest cuts of meat – you can often get a huge “family pack” of chicken drumsticks for around five bucks. And who says that “budget recipes” have to be dull? These apricot jalapeno garlic chicken legs prove the opposite. With a little creativity, any boring ingredient can be turned into a gourmet meal, and this delicious chicken drumsticks recipe is great for your wallet and for your taste buds.

Another great bonus of chicken legs that they are very forgiving when it comes to cooking. Unlike chicken breast that can quickly turn dry and rubbery, chicken legs stay juicy and soft even if you cook them longer than necessary. Easy, cheap and yummy – that’s all you want in an everyday recipe, making these chicken legs perfect for weeknight dinners!

Ingredients For Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs

Chicken legs – Juicy and flavorful, these are the perfect base for the sweet and spicy sauce.
Apricot jam – Adds a natural sweetness and stickiness to the glaze.
Soy sauce – Brings a salty, umami depth to balance the sweetness.
Jalapeno peppers – Provide a touch of heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
Garlic cloves – Adds bold and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

For exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs

Food processor – Quickly blends the sauce ingredients into a smooth glaze, saving you time and effort.
Baking sheet – Perfect for evenly cooking the chicken legs in the oven.
Parchment paper – Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup easier.
Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate measurements for the sauce ingredients.

How To Make Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Halve the jalapeno peppers, remove the seeds, and peel the garlic cloves.
Combine apricot jam, soy sauce, jalapeno peppers, and garlic in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Arrange the chicken legs on the baking sheet and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
Bake the chicken legs for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
Carefully flip the chicken legs to cook the other side, then bake for another 15 minutes or until the juices run clear when pierced.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle with the remaining sauce from the baking sheet for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Apricot Jalapeno Garlic Chicken Legs with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pair them with roasted potatoes and green beans for a balanced and colorful plate.
Add a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce for an extra treat.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve alongside a sweet coleslaw or cucumber salad to complement the bold flavors.

Tips For Success

Customize the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the amount of jalapeno peppers or remove all the seeds. For those who love spice, consider adding an extra jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and jalapenos for the best flavor. The combination of fresh and quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the sauce.
Ensure even coating: Toss the chicken legs thoroughly in the sauce to ensure every piece is fully coated. This helps the flavors seep into the chicken while baking.
Flip the chicken halfway: Turning the chicken legs during baking helps them cook evenly and allows both sides to absorb the sauce, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Check for doneness: Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken legs.
Let the sauce shine: After transferring the chicken legs to a serving platter, drizzle the remaining sauce from the baking sheet over them. This step enhances the flavor and gives a glossy finish.

Variations And Substitutions

Make it milder: Skip the jalapenos or substitute with a milder pepper, like Anaheim or poblano, to keep the sweet flavor without the heat.
Add a citrus twist: Incorporate the zest and juice of a lemon or orange into the sauce for a bright, tangy flavor boost.
Use boneless chicken: Substitute chicken legs with boneless thighs or breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster.
Try a different jam: Replace apricot jam with peach, mango, or pineapple jam for a unique twist on the sauce.
Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos to make this dish gluten-free.
Vegetarian option: Use the apricot jalapeno garlic glaze on roasted vegetables, tofu, or cauliflower steaks for a flavorful vegetarian main dish.
Air fryer alternative: Cook the chicken legs in an air fryer for a crispier texture. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place leftover chicken legs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the chicken legs on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Reheating in the microwave: Place the chicken legs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, ensuring even reheating.
Reheating in the air fryer: For crispy reheated chicken legs, use an air fryer. Heat at 375°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Thawing frozen leftovers: To reheat frozen chicken legs, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before following the reheating instructions above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! To increase the spice level, keep the seeds in the jalapenos or add extra peppers. You can also sprinkle in some red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce blend.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a quick stir before using it on the chicken.

What can I serve with these chicken legs?

These chicken legs pair wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. For a heartier meal, add mashed potatoes or a warm bread roll to the plate.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without overcooking.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes! While chicken legs are ideal, you can use thighs, wings, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time as needed, as smaller or boneless cuts may cook faster.

What should I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or air fryer for best results.

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Spicy Jerk Chicken Taco Recipe: Bold and zesty jerk-seasoned chicken served in soft tacos for a flavorful twist on taco night.

Instant Pot Crispy Chicken Wings: Crispy, juicy chicken wings made effortlessly in the Instant Pot and finished to perfection.

Baked Spicy Buffalo Drumsticks: Oven-baked chicken drumsticks coated in a tangy and spicy Buffalo sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A hearty and flavorful soup loaded with chicken, veggies, and spices, ready in no time using a pressure cooker.

Mason Jar Greek Chicken Salad for Meal Prep: A convenient and healthy Greek-inspired salad layered in a mason jar for easy meal prep.

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