Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe

Juicy Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe for Summer Grills

Succulent curried apricot chicken sosaties dance with vibrant South African flavors that will spark your culinary imagination.

Skewers loaded with marinated meat promise an adventure beyond ordinary grilling.

Apricot’s sweet essence blends perfectly with warm curry spices, creating a mouthwatering harmony.

Cape Malay influences shine through in this delectable recipe that connects traditional cooking with modern taste.

Marinades work magic, infusing each tender chicken piece with complex layers of deliciousness.

Unexpected ingredients transform simple protein into a celebration of bold, bright tastes.

What You Need For Curried Sosaties At Home

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for these South African-style skewers.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Curry Powder: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the chicken.
  • Apricot Jam: Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized glaze.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor and seasoning.
Skewer Components:
  • Onions, Dried Apricots: Add texture, sweetness, and visual interest to the sosaties.
Liquid Base:
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind the marinade and adds moisture to the chicken.
Garnish Option:
  • Fresh Herbs: Can be used for additional flavor and presentation.

How To Make Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

Step 1: Whip Up The Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend together the vibrant curry powder, tangy apricot preserves, zesty lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and a splash of olive oil.

Stir the ingredients until they create a smooth, golden-hued marinade that promises an explosion of taste.

Step 2: Marinate The Chicken

Toss the tender chicken pieces and chunky onion cubes into the marinade.

Gently massage the mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the delectable sauce.

Cover the bowl and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight.

Step 3: Prepare The Skewers

Grab your wooden or metal skewers and start assembling your sosaties.

Alternate threading the marinated chicken, caramelized onion chunks, and plump dried apricots.

Create a colorful pattern that looks as delightful as it will taste.

Step 4: Fire Up The Grill

Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature.

The goal is to create those perfect charred marks that add a smoky dimension to your dish.

Step 5: Grill To Perfection

Place the loaded skewers on the grill.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating them occasionally to ensure even cooking and a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked with no pink remaining.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer the sizzling sosaties to a serving platter.

The aroma of curry and caramelized apricots will tantalize everyone’s senses.

Pair with a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal that celebrates South African-inspired cuisine.

Tips For Perfect Sosaties Each Time

  • Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
  • Adjust curry powder and apricot quantities to create a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes that complement each other.
  • Prevent burning by soaking wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading ingredients to ensure even grilling.
  • Monitor chicken closely while grilling to avoid overcooking, aiming for a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
  • Bake sosaties in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if grilling is not possible, turning once midway.

Tasty Twists For Apricot Chicken Skewers

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same curry and apricot sauce for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Reduce or increase curry powder and chili content to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the marinade celiac-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap dried apricots with lower-carb fruits like bell peppers or zucchini chunks while maintaining the original marinade flavor profile.

Serving Curried Sosaties With Fresh Sides

How to Make Fried Apples at Home
  • Tropical Salad Companion: Serve these sosaties atop a fresh mixed salad with mango chunks and a light citrus dressing for a vibrant, zesty meal experience.
  • Couscous Cushion: Nestle the grilled skewers on a bed of fluffy, herb-infused couscous to soak up the delicious marinade and add a Mediterranean touch.
  • Cooling Yogurt Sidekick: Pair with a creamy cucumber-mint yogurt sauce that balances the curry's warmth and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, grilled chicken.
  • Rice Celebration: Complement the sosaties with fragrant basmati rice sprinkled with toasted almonds, creating a delightful textural and flavor harmony.

Storing Sosaties For Next-Day Enjoyment

  • Store leftover sosaties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap sosaties tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place sosaties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange sosaties on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil to maintain moisture. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

  • What are sosaties?

Sosaties are traditional South African kebabs made with marinated meat, typically grilled and often featuring a unique blend of spices and fruits.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or pork depending on your preference and availability.

  • Is the apricot marinade sweet or savory?

The marinade combines both sweet and savory elements, with curry spices providing depth and dried apricots adding a subtle fruity sweetness.

  • How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Dinner Adventure

  • Flavor Explosion: Discover a mouthwatering blend of sweet apricots and spicy curry that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
  • Prep-Ahead Perfection: Marinate the chicken in advance, making this recipe ideal for busy cooks who want delicious meals without last-minute stress.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Kebabs: These colorful skewers are guaranteed to impress guests at barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings with their vibrant presentation and bold taste.
  • Quick and Easy Grilling: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can have a gourmet-style meal ready in just a few simple steps, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.
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Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

South African sosaties shine in this zesty curried apricot chicken recipe, blending sweet and savory flavors with aromatic spices. Grilled skewers promise a mouthwatering journey through Cape Malay cuisine that you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams), cut into cubes

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Blend marinade components in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a fragrant and robust coating mixture.
  2. Immerse chicken pieces and diced onions thoroughly in the marinade, massaging to ensure complete flavor penetration.
  3. Seal container and allow ingredients to marinate in refrigerator for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight, enabling deep flavor infusion.
  4. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F, preparing for optimal cooking environment.
  5. Carefully assemble skewers by alternating marinated chicken chunks, caramelized onion segments, and plump dried apricots for balanced flavor profile.
  6. Position skewers on preheated grill grates, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure uniform charring and prevent burning.
  7. Cook sosaties for total 10-12 minutes, verifying internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption, with golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
  8. Remove from grill, allow brief resting period to redistribute internal juices, then serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and succulence.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, allowing at least 4-6 hours or overnight for deeper taste infusion.
  • Use wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, ensuring even cooking and preventing charred edges.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace regular curry powder with certified gluten-free curry blend and verify all marinade ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Consider alternative protein options like tofu or tempeh for vegetarian guests, adjusting cooking time and marinade to complement plant-based proteins.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: South African

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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