Discover a flavorful and easy-to-make apricot chicken recipe perfect for meal prep. Packed with vibrant vegetables and tender chicken in a sweet apricot sauce, this dish promises to satisfy your taste buds and simplify your meal planning.
Key Takeaway:
Prepare ahead and enjoy this apricot chicken meal prep for a week of hassle-free lunches or dinners.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make Apricot Chicken Meal Prep:
- Vegetables:
- 2 heads of broccoli
- 250g green beans
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Protein:
- 1kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 5g each of onion and garlic powder
- Salt and ground white pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp peanut oil
- Apricot Sauce:
- 250g apricot nectar (or apricot jam/preserve)
- 50ml low sodium soy sauce
- 20g light brown sugar (optional)
- 12g corn flour (cornstarch)
- Ground white pepper, to taste
- Couscous:
- 450ml chicken or vegetable stock
- 300g dried couscous
- 20ml extra virgin olive oil
- 5g flat leaf parsley, chopped
- Zest of half a lemon
- Sea salt flakes and ground white pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Trim broccoli florets and stalks. Slice them into even-sized pieces. Trim green beans and halve them lengthwise. Grate garlic cloves into a paste.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Dice chicken thighs into even-sized pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and peanut oil. Mix well and set aside.
- Make Apricot Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix apricot nectar (or jam/preserve), soy sauce, brown sugar (if using), corn flour, and ground white pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook Couscous:
- Bring chicken or vegetable stock to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in couscous, remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Mix in olive oil, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- Heat peanut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add broccoli and green beans. Season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for 6-7 minutes until lightly charred and tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
- Cook Apricot Chicken:
- Heat peanut oil in the same pan over high heat. Add diced chicken in a single layer. Sear for 3 minutes without stirring, then mix and sear for another 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Pour in apricot sauce. Mix well to coat chicken. Cook for 1.5-2 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is fully cooked.
- Assemble Meal Prep:
- Divide couscous, stir-fried vegetables, and apricot chicken into 5 meal prep containers. Garnish with spring onion if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown per Portion:
- Apricot Chicken: [Calories: 450, Protein: 40g]
- Couscous: [Calories: 300, Protein: 6g]
- Vegetables: [Calories: 100, Protein: 4g]
Cost Breakdown:
- Total Cost per Serving: Approximately $4.00
Conclusion:
This apricot chicken meal prep recipe offers a balance of savory and sweet flavors, complemented by nutritious vegetables and fluffy couscous. It’s perfect for those looking to prepare ahead for a week of satisfying meals without the hassle.
Enjoy the tender chicken in a luscious apricot sauce paired with vibrant stir-fried vegetables and flavorful couscous. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it ideal for busy weekdays or on-the-go lunches.
Prepare this recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy homemade meals throughout the week. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations or looking to add variety to your meal prep routine, this apricot chicken dish is sure to impress!
Savor the flavors and convenience of this delicious meal prep recipe, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share the joy of flavorful meals with family and friends!