Name: Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup apricot preserves; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe because it perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors in such a bright, satisfying way. The tender chicken strips coated in a luscious apricot glaze, combined with crisp vegetables and toasted sesame seeds, create a dinner that’s both comforting and exciting. It comes together quickly, making it my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

What thrills me most about this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is the explosion of flavors in every bite. The apricot preserves add a natural sweetness that beautifully complements the salty depth of soy sauce and the subtle tang of rice vinegar. When combined with the earthy, nutty aroma of sesame oil and the crunch of fresh veggies like broccoli and red bell pepper, it creates a harmony of tastes and textures that feels both light and indulgent at once. Honestly, it’s like my taste buds are having a little celebration.

Another reason I’m so drawn to this recipe is how incredibly simple it is to make from start to finish. I appreciate recipes that don’t take hours or mysterious ingredients, and this one fits perfectly into my busy schedule. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, I can have a vibrant, restaurant-quality stir fry ready in less than 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for one, feeding family, or entertaining friends, this dish always earns compliments and is a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several bowls and plates arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center is a bowl filled with cooked, sliced brown meat with a slightly glossy texture. Surrounding it are dishes with fresh green bok choy leaves on a white plate to the left, chopped green onions in a white bowl below, and sliced cucumbers in another white bowl at the bottom center. To the right, there is a bowl of bright yellow pickled vegetables, a bowl of white rice, and a small glass with a soft-boiled egg showing its yolk. Additionally, three small bowls hold sauces and seasonings: one with black and white sesame seeds at the top left, one with a reddish chili paste beside it, and one with plain sesame seeds below the chili paste. A wooden dish with ginger roots is placed in the bottom left corner, and a pair of wooden chopsticks rests diagonally near the top right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. From the tender chicken to the fresh vegetables and the unique sweet-savory sauce, it all comes together seamlessly to make a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thin strips cook quickly and stay tender, absorbing the sauce beautifully.
Sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that is signature to this stir fry.
Vegetable oil: Balances the sesame oil to prevent burning and ensures even cooking.
Apricot preserves: The heart of the sauce, giving natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
Soy sauce: Provides the essential salty umami that contrasts perfectly with apricot.
Rice vinegar: Gives a tangy brightness that lifts all the flavors.
Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and an extra layer of sesame flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a crisp sweetness.
Broccoli florets: Provides a fresh, crunchy contrast and green color pop.
Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together and enhance the natural flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the sesame oil and vegetable oil together in a large pan over medium-high heat to create the perfect cooking base that won’t overpower the chicken or burn the sauce later on.

Step 2: Add the thin chicken strips to the hot oil and cook them until nicely browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Make sure the heat is high enough to sear but not so hot that the chicken cooks unevenly.

Step 3: Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate to rest. This keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking while you prepare the veggies.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the same pan and sauté them for around 2 minutes, letting the garlic become fragrant and the pepper soften slightly.

Step 5: Throw in the broccoli florets and cook everything together until the broccoli is tender-crisp, which should take about 3 minutes. You want the veggies to keep a little crunch for texture contrast.

Step 6: Return the chicken strips back into the pan with the vegetables, stirring gently to combine all the elements evenly.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Then pour this mixture over your chicken and veggies, stirring to coat everything in the glossy sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the stir fry and let it cook for another 2 minutes, which allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the sesame seeds to toast lightly.

Step 9: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference before serving immediately, while everything is warm and inviting.

Servings and Timing

This Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe makes about 3 to 4 servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a couple of days of tasty leftovers. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes—mostly chopping and mixing the sauce—while the cooking takes around 20 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to delicious finish, with no additional resting or cooling time required.

How to Serve This Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of white rice at the bottom, soft and fluffy in texture. On top, there is a colorful stir-fry mix with three layers: the first layer has yellow and green slices of zucchini and yellow bell peppers; the second layer consists of bright red and orange thin strips of bell peppers; the third layer has pieces of light brown chicken coated in a shiny sauce, scattered with black and white sesame seeds and some green herbs for garnish. The whole dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with jasmine rice or a bed of steamed brown rice to soak up all the beautiful sauce. It’s also fantastic alongside quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you want a lower-carb option. For some extra fresh crunch, a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a touch of sesame oil works wonders.

Presentation-wise, I always sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top and add a handful of thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serving it warm right out of the pan is key because the sauce tastes best when glossy and slightly thickened. If I’m feeling fancy, a wedge of lime on the side brightens the dish wonderfully just before eating.

To drink, I usually opt for a chilled green tea or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to complement the sweetness and keep things light. This recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners, but I’ve also brought it to potlucks and holiday gatherings where it always stands out for its unique flavor combination and ease of preparation.

Variations

I’ve tried several variations of this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, and it’s surprisingly versatile. For a gluten-free version, just swap out regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos—both taste great and keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diets. If you want to make it vegan, tofu or tempeh work beautifully in place of chicken, and they soak up the apricot sauce just as well.

If you love a little heat, I often add crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili garlic sauce into the apricot glaze for a spicy twist. Another variation I adore is substituting the broccoli with snap peas or baby bok choy, which provide different textures but keep the dish equally fresh and vibrant.

For a different cooking method, you can also prepare this stir fry in a wok over really high heat, which adds a bit of smoky char and crunch that makes it feel like you’re dining at a restaurant. Just be sure to keep stirring often to avoid burning the apricot sauce and maintain that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that using glass containers with tight-fitting lids helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents any unwanted moisture buildup. Be sure to cool the stir fry to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

You can freeze this stir fry, but I recommend freezing the chicken and vegetables separately from any rice or sides to maintain the best quality. Pack the stir fry tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. When thawing, transfer to the fridge overnight for gentle defrosting and to preserve the texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the stir fry gently in a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave works fine too but can sometimes make the vegetables a little mushy. Avoid overheating to maintain the tender crunch of the broccoli and the glossy finish of the apricot sauce. A quick toss and warm through are all you need for a delicious second helping.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and stay exceptionally juicy. Just trim any excess fat and cut them into thin strips like the breasts. Cook a little longer if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked through without drying out.

Is there a substitute for apricot preserves?

If you don’t have apricot preserves on hand, peach or orange marmalade works perfectly as a substitute. You can also combine a little honey with apricot jam or use fresh apricots cooked down with a bit of sugar for a fresher option.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, I like adding chili flakes or a teaspoon of Sriracha to the apricot sauce. You could also toss in some fresh chopped jalapeños with the garlic and vegetables to build heat naturally throughout the dish.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, mixing the apricot preserves, soy sauce, and rice vinegar ahead of time saves a step during cooking. Just store the sauce in a small jar or airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan.

What side dishes go best with this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe?

I find that light, simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, garlic fried rice, or even a crisp Asian slaw balance the stir fry perfectly. For something heartier, stir-fried noodles or vegetable dumplings play nicely as well.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll try out this Sesame Apricot Chicken Stir Fry Recipe soon because it has been such a joyous discovery for me in the kitchen. The flavors are vibrant but approachable, and the recipe is flexible enough for busy nights or special occasions. Once you taste that perfect blend of apricot sweetness, savory soy, and toasty sesame, I’m confident you’ll add this one to your regular rotation just like I have!