Apricot-Toasted Pecan Chicken Bake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 chicken breasts, halved
1 cup apricot nectar
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 cup sugar-free apricot preserves
3 tablespoons toasted pecans (optional)
dried apricot, garnish

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F.
Place the chicken in an oven-proof pan large enough that the chicken will not overlap.
Combine the nectar, allspice, ginger, salt, pepper and mustard, and pour over the chicken.
Turning the chicken to get the marinade over all parts.
Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.
Remove from refrigerator and let stand for 30 minutes.
Discard the marinade.
Salt & pepper, again.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Keep warm.
Heat apricot preserves and brush over chicken.
Taste for seasoning.
Bake uncovered & add the dried apricots for 20-30 minutes, basting with preserves two more times, at least.
Remove to serving platter and sprinkle with toasted pecans or finely chopped parsley.
Serve with rice, couscous or angel-hair pasta.