Apricot Thyme Chicken and Chickpeas

By Nargisse Benkabbou

Updated April 20, 2026

  • Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Brett Regot.
Media 1 of 1
Ready In
1 hr
Rating
5(749)
Comments
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Inspired by the sweet-and-savory balance found in Moroccan tagines, this vibrant sheet-pan dinner delivers bold, layered flavor with minimal effort. At the heart of the dish is a glossy marinade built around apricot jam, which adds a gentle fruitiness and helps keep the chicken tender and juicy as it roasts. The jam is mixed with garlic, thyme, soy sauce and warm spices like turmeric and ginger, creating a rich sauce that flavors both the chicken and the vegetables. As the chicken cooks, a bed of onions and chickpeas soaks up its juices, becoming soft and caramelized. Green olives, added toward the end, bring a brininess that adds contrast. Serve with your choice of sides, such as couscous, rice or flatbread.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings

  • 2 ½ to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 7 chicken thighs) 

  • Fine sea salt

  • ½ cup vegetable or chicken stock 

  • 6 tablespoons apricot jam 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce 

  • 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, plus more for garnish if desired

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced or pressed 

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced 

  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed 

  • ½ cup pitted green olives (such as Castelvetrano)

  • Couscous, rice or flatbread, for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 to 6 servings)

39 grams carbs; 32 milligrams cholesterol; 319 calories; 7 grams monosaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 14 grams fat; 6 grams fiber; 616 milligrams sodium; 13 grams protein; 14 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

    1. Step 1

      Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the chicken thighs to a large bowl and season them on both sides with ¾ teaspoon salt. 

    1. Step 2

      Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the vegetable stock, apricot jam, olive oil, soy sauce, thyme, garlic, turmeric, ginger and ¾ teaspoon salt. Pour about half of the marinade over the chicken and turn to coat. 

    1. Step 3

      On a sheet pan, combine the onions, chickpeas and remaining marinade and toss to coat. Arrange the onions and chickpeas in a single layer and place the chicken on top, skin side up. Roast for 30 minutes, until the chicken starts to brown.

    1. Step 4

      Remove the pan from the oven, scatter the olives around the chicken and roast for 10 to 15 minutes more, until the chicken is cooked through and golden, and the onions are soft and caramelized.

    1. Step 5

      Garnish with thyme if desired and serve immediately. 

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Ratings

5 out of 5
749 user ratings
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Comments

Karen

It was like the recipe gods wanted me to make this last night. Chicken thighs in the fridge, just enough Bonne Mamen apricot jam, the exact amount of pitted green Castelvetrano olives left in the jar, and some thyme sprigs destined for the stock pot. Like Daniella, I had one onion and added a second can of chickpeas, because—well, chickpeas. Leftover brown rice to soak the sauce. When done, I flipped the thighs over at the last minute to cover them with the marinade and was rewarded with glossy, mahogany-colored crispy skin. Gorgeous and delicious.

Richard

Just finished roasting this and it looks and tastes fantastic. The recipe was easy to follow (I'm not a very good cook). Will be one of my go-to dinners for when friends come over.

S in VA

If you don't have or don't want to use apricot jam, soak a few dry apricots in water, juice, or white wine until soft, then purée them

Margot

I added small potatoes and lemon slices! The perfect addition to give it more acid and sustenance! I didn't have nay thyme but it was still so well balanced. Next time I might add some harissa to give it a spicier dimmension.

Henry

This is perhaps my favourite recipe from the NYT I have cooked so far (~40 total)

Es

Delicious, attractive, wonderful flavors and textures. And easy to make. My olives weren't pitted so I minced them once I removed the pits and sprinkled over the chicken and onions. Use as much or as little apricot jam (I used apricot preserves) as you wish; I don't like sweet so maybe I used 2-3 TBSP. Chicken was juicy and skin was crisp. Nice.

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