Apricot and Sweet Chilli Chicken Hot Pot

🍲 Apricot and Sweet Chilli Chicken Hot Pot 🍗

What is it?
The Apricot and Sweet Chilli Chicken Hot Pot is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apricots with the spicy kick of chili sauce, all simmered with tender chicken and vegetables. It’s a fusion of sweet and spicy flavors that create a harmonious and satisfying taste.

History:
This dish doesn’t have a long-standing historical background like some traditional recipes, but it likely emerged from the desire to blend different culinary influences and create a unique flavor profile. Fusion cuisine, like this hot pot, has gained popularity in recent years as people explore new taste combinations.

Components:

• Chicken: You’ll need boneless chicken pieces, typically chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks.
• Apricot Preserves: Sweet apricot preserves are the key sweetening agent in this dish.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: Adds the spicy element and complements the sweetness of the apricots.
• Vegetables: Commonly used vegetables include bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
• Seasonings: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and salt to enhance the flavors.
• Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth forms the base of the hot pot.
• Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
• Optional garnishes: Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned on all sides. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Add minced garlic and ginger, followed by sliced onions, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften.

3. Combine Sauces: Add the apricot preserves, sweet chili sauce, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauces to meld with the vegetables.

4. Simmer with Broth: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded.

5. Serve: Once the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, your Apricot and Sweet Chilli Chicken Hot Pot is ready to be served. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds for added flavor and a pop of color.

Time Needed to Prepare:
The total time to prepare this dish is approximately 45-60 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s a relatively quick and easy recipe, making it suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want a flavorful dish with a touch of sweetness and spice. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️👌

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Apricot and Sweet Chilli Chicken Hot Pot:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 10-12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
• Cholesterol: 60-70 milligrams
• Sodium: 800-900 milligrams

Health Information:

1. Protein Source: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.

2. Moderate Calories: This dish provides a moderate amount of calories, making it a suitable choice for a balanced meal.

3. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in this dish primarily come from the apricot preserves and vegetables, providing energy and fiber.

4. Fiber: The presence of vegetables and apricots adds some dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

5. Sugar Content: Be mindful of the sugar content, as the apricot preserves and sweet chili sauce contribute to the sweetness. Consider using reduced-sugar apricot preserves for a healthier option.

6. Fats: The dish contains moderate amounts of fat, primarily from the chicken and cooking oil. Using lean chicken cuts and minimal oil can reduce the fat content.

7. Sodium: The sodium content may vary depending on the type of broth and sauces used. Opt for low-sodium broth and sauces if you’re watching your sodium intake.

8. Vitamins and Minerals: This dish is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from bell peppers and vitamin A from carrots.

9. Balanced Meal: To make this dish even more balanced, serve it with a side of steamed brown rice or quinoa to add complex carbohydrates and complete the meal with a variety of nutrients.

10. Customization: You can tailor the recipe to your dietary preferences and health goals by adjusting the ingredient quantities, choosing leaner cuts of chicken, or incorporating more vegetables for added nutrition.

Remember that these nutrition facts are approximate and can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s always a good practice to check labels and adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and goals.