Apricot Chicken

Apricot chicken with its sweet and savoury flavours is the perfect family friendly dinner.

Course: Family Dinner Ideas

Cuisine: New Zealand

Keyword: Apricot Chicken, Apricot Chicken recipe, Easy apricot chicken recipe

Diet: Gluten free

Servings: adults

Calories: 324kcal

5 from 1 vote

Start by soaking the dried apricots in half a cup of boiling water.
Heat the oil or butter in a pan. Add the diced onion, celery and carrot. Cook over a medium heat until the vegetables are softened, and have become golden brown (you want the caramelisation for the flavour).
Add the garlic to the pan, sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Add the diced chicken to the pan and brown
While the chicken is browning add the soaked dried apricots, soaking water and the tinned tomatoes to a blender or food processor, whizz until smooth
Add the apricot sauce, fresh apricots, cinnamon, and thyme to the pan
Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the apricot sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Enjoy with steamed basmati rice and green vegetables.

I generally cook with olive oil, for some recipes though butter brings a lovely flavour, and this is one of those recipes, I find the recipe has a better flavor when I make it with butter.
As I said this recipe is perfect for the whole family, it can be used for baby-led-weaning or for a toddler dinner just make sure you remove their portion before you season with salt.
Store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 4 months.
Dried apricots: The dried apricots which I soak, could be substituted for apricot preserves or apricot jam.
Chicken: I use boneless and skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs or tenderloin (diced). You can use bone-in chicken pieces but the cook time will be longer
Fresh apricots: When apricots are not in season it is fine to use canned apricots which have been drained from their canning liquid.
Diced tomatoes: Any tinned tomatoes will work as they get blended in the sauce, so they can be whole peeled tomatoes, crushed, diced or puree.
Chicken stock or broth: This can be substituted for a chicken or onion soup mix made up with half a cup of water.