Apricot Chicken by Ross

Apricot Chicken

Cooking set up: Gas
Category: Chicken
The chef rates this meal: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why this recipe works

The Adventure-Q is perfect for one-pan meals like this classic apricot chicken. Browning the chicken first creates a rich flavour base, while the gentle simmer transforms the apricot nectar into a glossy, sweet and savoury sauce. It’s simple comfort food that’s ideal for camping, caravanning or an easy family dinner.

Ross’s notes

This recipe was adapted from a Coles recipe to better suit the Daymo Adventure-Q. I’ve cooked the rice both ways and found that cooking it separately gives the best texture, but if you want fewer dishes, the one-pan option also works well.

Time

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Ingredients

Apricot Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts (or 500g chicken thighs), cubed
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 brown onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1–2 teaspoons fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon ginger paste)
• 200g apricot nectar
• 1 tablespoon French onion soup mix
• 250ml chicken stock

Rice

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1½–2 cups water

Taste test notes

This dish delivers exactly what you’d expect from a classic apricot chicken. The sauce is rich, glossy and full of sweet savoury flavour, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. Served over fluffy rice, it’s an easy meal the whole family will enjoy.

Method

1. Prepare all vegetables and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Toss the chicken with the plain flour, paprika and curry powder until evenly coated.
3. Heat the olive oil in the Daymo Adventure-Q over medium-high heat.
4. Brown the chicken in two batches for 3 to 4 minutes per batch until golden, then remove and set aside.
5. In the same pan, cook the onion for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the carrot and zucchini and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Stir through the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8. Return the chicken to the pan.
9. Add the apricot nectar, chicken stock and French onion soup mix, stirring well to combine.
10. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover with the lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Rice options

Option A: Separate pot (recommended)

Cook the basmati rice separately according to the packet instructions for the best texture.

Option B: One-pan method

Push the chicken to the outside edge of the Adventure-Q. Add the rice and water to the centre, cover and cook over low heat for approximately 12 minutes until the rice is tender.

Serve the apricot chicken over the rice.

Enjoy!

Anything the chef would change for next time?

A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a knob of butter adds extra richness to the sauce.

Optional extras include:

• Fresh parsley
• Toasted almonds for added crunch
• Capsicum or peas for extra colour
• Swap the apricot nectar for canned apricot halves with their juice for more texture
• A pinch of chilli flakes for a little heat

For caravanning, this version works particularly well because the Adventure-Q’s generous cooking surface allows better browning, while the gentle simmer creates a thicker, richer sauce with minimal washing up.

Submitted by: Ross, Warragul, VIC

From the Daymo community

This is what Daymo is about. Real people cooking real food in real places. No complicated gear, just simple, great meals made for adventure.

Cooked with the Daymo Adventure-Q. One cooker, endless adventures.