Olive Garden Venetian Apricot Chicken

Olive Garden is known for their seasonal menus, and this is one of their most recent additions to the menu.

Olive Garden’s Venetian Apricot Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines grilled chicken with a sweet and tangy apricot sauce. The chicken is seasoned with garlic pepper and Italian seasoning, giving it a savory taste. The sauce is made by blending chicken broth and apricot preserves, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

To enhance the dish, a combination of Roma tomatoes, basil, garlic pepper, and salt is mixed together, adding freshness and a burst of herbaceousness. The vegetables, including blanched asparagus and broccoli, are sautéed with a touch of olive oil until they are heated through but still maintain their crispness.

Grilling the chicken breasts adds a smoky char and seals in the juiciness, resulting in tender and succulent meat. The garlic seasoning mixture is sprinkled over the broccoli, adding a hint of garlicky flavor.

To bring everything together, the grilled chicken is placed on a platter alongside the seasoned vegetables. The apricot sauce is then poured over the chicken, providing a delightful sweetness and tanginess to complement the savory elements of the dish.

Garnished with chopped parsley, this Venetian Apricot Chicken dish from Olive Garden is a feast for the senses. The combination of flavors and textures creates a memorable dining experience that is both satisfying and delicious.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 teaspoons garlic pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup apricot preserves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ pound Roma tomatoes, cut into 1″ pieces
• 6 basil leaves, cut into ½” pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 1 bunch asparagus, bottom 1″ of stems removed
• ½ pound broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Chopped parsley, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine garlic pepper and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, blend chicken broth and apricot preserves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil and remove from heat.
3. In another mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, basil, garlic pepper, and salt, and set aside.
4. In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch asparagus and broccoli for 1 minute. Transfer immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking.
5. Coat a sauté pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While keeping ingredients separated in the pan, heat the cooled asparagus, broccoli, and tomato mixture until hot, about 2–3 minutes. Do not overcook.
6. Grill the chicken breasts for 5 minutes per side until done.
7. Place the grilled chicken on a platter next to the broccoli and asparagus. Sprinkle the garlic seasoning mixture on the broccoli. Pour the tomato mixture on top of the vegetables.
8. Top the chicken breasts with apricot sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

VARIATIONS:

• Grilled Vegetables: Instead of blanching the asparagus and broccoli, you can marinate and grill them for added smokiness and charred flavor. Drizzle them with a balsamic glaze or sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of taste.
• Citrus Twist: Add a citrusy twist to the apricot sauce by incorporating some orange or lemon zest. This will give the sauce a bright and refreshing flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the apricot sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick and balance the sweetness of the apricot preserves.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs in the tomato mixture. Consider adding fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley to enhance the herbal notes. You can also try using a combination of herbs to create a unique flavor profile.
• Alternative Protein: If you prefer a different protein option, you can substitute the chicken with turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
• Glaze Variation: Instead of using apricot preserves, you can try other fruit preserves such as peach, mango, or pineapple for a different fruity twist. This will add a variety of flavors to the dish and allow for customization based on personal preference.