Apricot Chicken
A delightful Bulgarian dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a sweet and tangy apricot sauce. This recipe often incorporates warming spices, creating a fragrant and flavorful meal that is both comforting and elegant.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Boneless, skinless chicken thighs(cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 150 g Dried apricots(halved)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(freshly grated)
- 300 ml Chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
- 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley(chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Soak the dried apricots in warm water for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in the cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 6
Pour in the chicken stock and honey. Add the softened apricots and bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: You can blend half of the apricots with a little stock to create a smoother sauce base if desired. - 7
Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
💡 Tip: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. This dish pairs well with rice or couscous.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using chicken thighs ensures a more tender and moist result compared to chicken breast.
- ✓Adjust the amount of honey and spices to your personal preference.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of apricot jam.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a touch of heat.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like raisins or dates.
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.