Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken with Grilled Apricots

Sweet, smoky, and a little herb-sassy — this grilled apricot chicken is bringing main-character energy to the backyard table.

If your grill has been begging for something beyond the usual burgers and hot dogs, this Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken with Grilled Apricots is ready to flirt with summer. It is juicy, simple, sweet-savory, and dressed up just enough to feel special without making you hover over the grill like you are competing on a cooking show.

This easy grilled apricot chicken recipe starts with tender chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and rosemary, then brushed with apricot jam until the glaze turns glossy, sticky, and golden. On the side, fresh apricots are tucked into foil packets with brown sugar and butter, then grilled until soft, syrupy, and spoon-worthy.

The result? A warm-weather dinner that tastes like summer took a little vacation through the herb garden. It is perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, backyard BBQs, and those evenings when you want something easy but still want everyone to say, “Oh, this is good.”

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Apricot Chicken Recipe

This recipe has that “looks fancy, secretly simple” magic that every summer dinner needs. The apricot glaze gives the chicken a glossy, fruity finish, while rosemary keeps it from becoming too sweet. It is balanced, bright, and ridiculously easy to pull together.

• Simple ingredients: Chicken, rosemary, apricot jam, apricots, brown sugar, butter, salt, and pepper.
• Big summer flavor: Sweet apricot glaze meets smoky grilled chicken.
• Perfect for cookouts: It feels special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
• Family-friendly: The glaze is sweet, savory, and not spicy.
• Flexible: Use chicken breasts, thighs, tenders, or even pork chops.
• Built-in side dish: The grilled apricots cook right alongside the chicken.

If you are newer to cooking chicken or want a refresher before firing up the grill, start with these helpful tips for chicken breast. It is a useful guide for keeping lean chicken tender instead of dry.

Ingredients for Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken

This apricot grilled chicken keeps the ingredient list short, which is one of the reasons it works so well for busy nights and last-minute cookouts.

For the Grilled Apricot Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 cup apricot jam or apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing the grill grates or chicken

For the Grilled Apricots

• 4 fresh apricots, peeled if desired, halved, and pitted
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• Pinch of rosemary, optional

How to Make Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken

This recipe is wonderfully straightforward. The key is to season the chicken first, grill it until golden, then brush on the apricot jam near the end so it caramelizes without burning.

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Clean and oil the grates to help prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, set up a slightly cooler side so you can move the chicken away from direct heat if the glaze starts to caramelize too quickly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and rosemary. Lightly brush the chicken with olive oil.

Step 3: Start the Grilled Apricots

Place the apricot halves on a piece of aluminum foil with the cut side facing up. Spoon a little brown sugar into the center of each apricot half where the pit was removed. Add a small piece of butter to each apricot.

Fold the foil around the apricots and seal the edges to create a packet. Place the packet on the grill and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the apricots are tender and syrupy.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken on the grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side, or until golden grill marks form. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the second side is golden.

Step 5: Add the Apricot Glaze

Brush the cooked side of the chicken with apricot jam. Once the second side is golden, flip the chicken again and brush the other side with apricot jam. Reduce the heat to low and grill for about 2 to 3 more minutes, turning as needed, until the glaze is warm, glossy, and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices can settle back into the meat.

Step 7: Serve with Grilled Apricots

Serve the rosemary apricot grilled chicken with the warm grilled apricots spooned alongside or over the top. Drizzle any buttery brown sugar syrup from the foil packet over the apricots for extra summer magic.

Expert Tips for the Best Apricot Grilled Chicken

A few small tricks make this rosemary apricot chicken even better.

• Do not add the jam too early. Apricot jam contains sugar, and sugar can burn over direct heat. Brush it on near the end of cooking.
• Pound thick chicken breasts evenly. Even thickness helps the chicken cook at the same rate and stay juicy.
• Use preserves if you like texture. Apricot preserves give the glaze little pieces of fruit, while jam creates a smoother finish.
• Let the chicken rest. Five minutes makes a big difference in juiciness.
• Use a thermometer. Chicken is done at 165°F. This prevents guessing and overcooking.
• Keep the heat moderate. Medium heat gives you grill marks without scorching the sweet glaze.

If you love sweet-and-savory chicken dinners, you may also like this Mustard-Maple Glazed Chicken Recipe. It has that same easy glaze energy with a tangy maple-mustard twist.

Variations & Creative Ideas

This grilled apricot chicken recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have in the fridge, what is growing in the garden, or how dramatic your condiment shelf is feeling today.

Make It Spicy

Stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or chili paste into the apricot jam before brushing it onto the chicken. The sweet heat is especially good for summer BBQs.

Add Dijon Mustard

Mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the apricot jam for a tangier glaze. This gives the chicken a little extra depth and helps balance the sweetness.

Use Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. They are naturally juicy and grill well with a fruit-based glaze.

Try Peaches Instead of Apricots

No apricots? Use halved peaches or nectarines. They grill beautifully and still pair well with rosemary and brown sugar.

Turn It Into Skewers

Cut the chicken into chunks, thread onto skewers, and grill. Brush with apricot glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. Add onion or bell pepper pieces between the chicken for color and flavor.

Make It a Sheet Pan Dinner

No grill? Bake seasoned chicken breasts at 400°F until nearly done, brush with apricot jam, then broil briefly to caramelize the glaze. Roast apricot halves on the same pan with brown sugar and butter.

Serving Suggestions for Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken

This grilled apricot chicken recipe pairs beautifully with fresh, colorful, summer-friendly sides. The chicken is sweet and savory, so it loves anything crisp, cool, smoky, or citrusy.

• Serve it with How to Shuck and Cook Corn on the Cob for a classic summer cookout plate.
• Spoon Pineapple Mango Salsa over the chicken for a tropical fruit-forward finish.
• Add Cuban Black Beans Recipe for a hearty side dish that makes the meal feel complete.
• Serve with Chunky Guacamole You’ll Want on Everything! if you are building a summer dinner spread with chips, dips, and grilled mains.
• Pour a cold glass of Mint Limeade Recipe – Refreshing Homemade Summer Drink for a bright, citrusy drink that cools down the sweet glaze.

For an easy dinner plate, serve the chicken with grilled apricots, corn on the cob, a green salad, and iced tea or limeade. For a party spread, slice the chicken and serve it on a platter with extra apricot glaze on the side.

Make It a Memorial Day Cookout Menu

This Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken deserves a spot on your Memorial Day table because it checks all the cookout boxes: easy grilling, bright summer flavor, family-friendly ingredients, and a sweet-savory glaze that feels a little more special than plain BBQ chicken.

If you are building a full backyard menu, use this grilled apricot chicken as the main dish and round it out with simple summer sides. Start with How to Shuck and Cook Corn on the Cob for that classic cookout side, add Baking Potatoes on a Camping Grill for an easy foil-packet side, and serve Pineapple Mango Salsa alongside the chicken for a fresh, fruity topping that plays beautifully with the apricot glaze.

For a heartier spread, pair this rosemary apricot chicken with Cuban Black Beans Recipe or Instant Pot Black Beans Recipe. Both work well with grilled chicken, summer rice bowls, taco-style leftovers, and backyard BBQ plates.

If your Memorial Day menu needs something snacky before the chicken comes off the grill, set out Supreme Queso Dip Recipe with chips, veggies, or toasted bread. Then keep the drinks bright and refreshing with this Mint Limeade Recipe – Refreshing Homemade Summer Drink.

Planning a full holiday spread? Add this recipe to your Memorial Day grilling lineup and use it as the fruity, herb-glazed chicken option between burgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, corn, potatoes, dips, and easy summer drinks.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftover apricot grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store grilled apricots separately if possible so the fruit stays tender without making the chicken too soft.

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power. Add a spoonful of water, chicken broth, or extra apricot jam to keep it moist. Avoid overheating, since chicken breasts can dry out quickly.

FAQs About Grilled Apricot Chicken

Can I use apricot preserves instead of apricot jam?

Yes. Apricot preserves work beautifully and give the glaze a slightly chunkier fruit texture. Apricot jam creates a smoother glaze, while preserves add little bites of apricot.

Can I make the apricot marinade for chicken ahead of time?

Yes. You can season the chicken with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil up to 24 hours ahead. For best results, wait to brush on the apricot jam until the chicken is almost done grilling so the sugars do not burn.

Can I use dried rosemary?

Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon dried rosemary in place of 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary. Crush the dried rosemary slightly between your fingers before sprinkling it on the chicken to release more flavor.

Do I have to peel the apricots before grilling?

No. Peeling is optional. The original recipe peeled the apricots, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a little more texture and less prep work.

What temperature should grilled chicken reach?

Chicken should reach 165°F in the thickest part. An instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to keep the chicken juicy and safely cooked.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes. Cook the chicken in a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or oven. Brush with apricot jam near the end of cooking and let it caramelize slightly before serving.

What goes well with rosemary apricot chicken?

Rosemary apricot chicken pairs well with corn on the cob, rice, green salad, roasted potatoes, fruit salsa, black beans, grilled vegetables, iced tea, or limeade.

Can I use this apricot glaze on other meats?

Absolutely. The apricot rosemary glaze is delicious on pork chops, salmon, turkey cutlets, chicken thighs, and grilled shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

Final Thoughts

This Rosemary Apricot Grilled Chicken with Grilled Apricots is proof that dinner does not have to be complicated to feel memorable. A little rosemary, a little apricot jam, a few fresh apricots tucked into foil with brown sugar and butter, and suddenly the grill is serving sweet summer charm with a golden glaze.

It is easy enough for a weeknight, pretty enough for company, and just the right amount of unexpected for a backyard cookout. The chicken comes off the grill juicy and glossy, the apricots turn soft and syrupy, and the whole plate tastes like summer decided to dress up for dinner.

If you are planning a Memorial Day menu, this grilled apricot chicken fits right into a sunny cookout spread with corn on the cob, grilled potatoes, black beans, fruit salsa, queso dip, and cold limeade. It gives your holiday table a lighter grilled chicken option while still feeling festive, flavorful, and crowd-friendly.

For even more holiday menu inspiration, browse my full Memorial Day Recipes & Party Ideas hub for easy cookout recipes, potluck sides, grilling ideas, summer drinks, and festive family-friendly party food.

Save this grilled apricot chicken recipe for Memorial Day, summer BBQs, backyard dinners, camping cookouts, and easy weeknight grilling. Then build the full menu around it with more cookout-friendly sides, drinks, dips, and grilling recipes from Mommy’s Memorandum.

If you make this recipe, leave a comment and let me know whether you served it with corn, salsa, salad, or went straight for those buttery grilled apricots first. No judgment. Those little golden gems have a way of stealing the show.

This recipe was originally published August 28, 2009, and updated May 23, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.