Apricot-Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Last weekends family dinner had the theme of apricots.  The sweet little fruit did double duty as a glaze to some whole chickens and as a sweet addition to some wild rice.
I particularly enjoy this stone fruit because it offers a little sweetness and a little tartness.  Balanced perfectly, it's the best of both worlds.  It almost reminds me of a cross between peaches and plums. 
Here's an exciting fact for all you apricot fans out there, we are only a couple weeks away from apricot season.  Bring on the month of May!

Apricot-Balsamic Glazed Chicken

Ingredients:
1 (4-5 lb) whole roasting chicken
2 Tbsp cold butter
3 sprigs of thyme (fresh)
3 sprigs of rosemary (fresh)
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar

Method:
Preheat oven to 350F.  Spray roasting pan with non-stick spray and place a rack at the bottom.  Set aside.
Wash chicken and pat dry. 
To make glaze: mix together apricot preserves, balsamic vinegar, cider vinegar and sugar. Set aside.
Sprinkle the chicken and cavity with salt and pepper.  Insert 2 sprigs each fresh herbs into the cavity.
Gently loosen the skin of chicken and rub underneath with butter and garlic.
Line roasting pan with white wine, 1 sprig each of fresh herbs and dried apricots.  Place chicken on rack.  Roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
When chicken is 15 minutes away from being done, brush with glaze mixture and continue cooking, basting 2-3 times more.
Remove from oven, let chicken sit and juices settle for 10 minutes before slicing.