Sweet and Savory Apricot Chicken 🍗🍑

This delightful dish combines the sweetness of apricots with the savory goodness of tender chicken and crunchy cashews, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time! Pair it with hot cooked rice for a satisfying and balanced meal. 🌟

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chicken broth or sherry
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Additions

• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup salted cashews
• Hot cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the apricot preserves, soy sauce, chicken broth (or sherry), vegetable oil, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Mix well.

   🥄 This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps to tenderize it. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste—adding a little extra garlic can enhance the aroma!

2. Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a shallow microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

3. Carefully add the chopped green pepper and cashews, cover the dish again, and microwave on high for another 2-4 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear. Stir the mixture once during cooking for even heating.

   ⏳ Let it stand for about 3 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

4. Serve the apricot chicken over hot cooked rice for a delicious meal!

🌶️ For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. Additionally, you can replace the green pepper with snap peas or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.

Variations

• Low-carb: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option that’s just as satisfying! 🥦
• Extra Veggies: Incorporate other colorful veggies like carrots or broccoli to enhance the dish's nutrition and crunch.
• Sweet and Spicy: Mix in some diced jalapeños or sriracha to give it a fiery twist!

Enjoy your meal and the compliments you’ll receive! 🍽️✨