This Chicken Curry with Apricots is a flavorful and aromatic dish combining warm spices with the natural sweetness of dried apricots. Tender chicken thighs simmer in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, finished with fresh coriander and crispy potato salli or sev strands for a delightful texture. It’s a perfect comforting meal with a balance of savory and sweet.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp light oil

• ½ cinnamon stick

• 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

• ½ dried bay leaf

• 1 small brown onion

• 2 large cloves garlic

• Thumb-sized piece fresh ginger

• ½ tbsp ground cumin

• ½ tbsp paprika

• ½ tbsp garam masala

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

• 200g (7 oz) fresh tomatoes, chopped

• 100ml (scant ⅓ cup) water

• 1 tsp white wine vinegar

• 55g (2 oz) dried apricots, quartered

• 1 tsp soft brown sugar

• Handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped

• Pre-made or homemade potato salli or sev strands, to serve

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a medium to large non-stick frying pan or shallow casserole over medium-high heat. Add the cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Cook until aromatic and sizzling.

2. Meanwhile, peel and roughly chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. Blitz in a mini food processor or chopper to form a rough paste. Add this paste to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until soft, fragrant, and lightly colored.

3. Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook for another minute, toasting the spices until fragrant.

4. Add the chicken chunks to the pan, stirring to coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the chicken starts to brown slightly.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down into a sauce, about 3-5 minutes.

6. Pour in the water and white wine vinegar, bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.

7. Stir in the quartered apricots and brown sugar. Cook for another 5 minutes until the apricots soften and the sauce thickens slightly.

8. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped coriander, and top with crispy potato salli or sev strands before serving.

Nutrients (estimate per serving)

• Calories: ~400 kcal

• Protein: ~30g

• Fat: ~15g

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Fiber: ~4g

• Sodium: varies depending on added salt and spice

Flavor Profile and Aromatics

The heart of this curry lies in its thoughtful layering of spices and aromatics. Starting with whole spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf, the dish develops a fragrant base that permeates every bite. These warm, slightly sweet spices are essential in traditional Indian cooking and create a complex aroma that invites you to savor each mouthful. The ground spices—cumin, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder—are carefully balanced to provide earthiness, heat, and depth without overpowering the other ingredients. The fresh ginger and garlic paste add a pungent, zesty kick, ensuring the sauce is vibrant and alive with flavor. This intricate combination of spices is what transforms simple chicken into an indulgent curry that delights the senses.

The Role of Apricots in the Curry

Dried apricots play a starring role in this recipe by introducing a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the heat and savoriness of the spices. As the apricots simmer in the sauce, they soften and release their fruity notes, which balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the boldness of the spices. This marriage of flavors provides a rich complexity that makes the dish memorable and distinctive. The apricots also contribute a subtle chewy texture that contrasts with the tender chicken and creamy sauce, adding another dimension to the eating experience. This sweet-savory interplay is a hallmark of many Middle Eastern and Indian-inspired dishes, making this curry a delicious fusion of culinary traditions.

Chicken Thighs: The Perfect Protein Choice

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts enhances the richness and succulence of this curry. Thighs tend to remain moist and tender when cooked slowly in a sauce, absorbing the spices and flavors more effectively. Their slightly higher fat content contributes to a silkier, more flavorful curry, especially when simmered gently to develop depth without drying out the meat. This choice ensures every bite is juicy and satisfying, making the curry comforting and hearty enough to be a mainstay in your meal rotation. Moreover, chicken thighs are economical and widely accessible, making this recipe both practical and gourmet.

Texture and Contrast with Potato Salli or Sev Strands

One of the distinctive features of this dish is the topping of crispy potato salli or sev strands, which adds an exciting textural contrast to the tender, saucy curry. These thin, fried potato sticks are commonly used in Indian cuisine as a garnish and introduce a delightful crunch that enhances the mouthfeel of the dish. The combination of creamy, tender chicken and crisp, crunchy salli offers a pleasurable contrast that keeps the palate engaged throughout the meal. This added layer of texture makes the curry feel more dynamic and thoughtfully composed, turning a simple curry into a multi-dimensional dining experience.

Nutritional Benefits

This chicken curry provides a balanced meal with a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Chicken thighs supply ample protein necessary for muscle repair and overall health, while the dried apricots and tomatoes add natural sugars and vitamins like vitamin A and C, which support immune function and skin health. The spices, particularly turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion, contributing to the healthful nature of the dish. Using light oil and fresh coriander further enhances the nutrient profile, providing antioxidants and healthy fats without excessive calories. This curry offers a nourishing option that satisfies both taste buds and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Curry with Apricots pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Traditionally, it is served with steamed basmati rice or fragrant saffron rice, which soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. Indian flatbreads like naan or roti also complement the dish well, providing a vehicle for scooping up the curry and adding a soft, chewy texture. For a lighter option, a crisp cucumber raita or a fresh salad with yogurt and mint can help balance the richness of the curry and refresh the palate. Adding a side of roasted or steamed vegetables introduces further color and nutrients, rounding out the meal with seasonal freshness.

Cultural and Culinary Inspirations

This recipe draws from rich culinary traditions of India and the Middle East, where the marriage of sweet and savory elements in dishes is common and celebrated. Using dried fruits like apricots in savory stews and curries reflects a time-honored technique to enhance flavor complexity and balance intense spices. The use of whole spices to create a fragrant base is a signature approach in Indian cooking, emphasizing the importance of aroma and layering of taste. The garnishing with crispy potato strands is a nod to South Indian cuisine, where sev and salli are popular accompaniments that add crunch to rich, saucy dishes. This curry is a beautiful example of cross-cultural influences merging to create something uniquely delicious.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Curry with Apricots

To maximize the flavor of this dish, it’s important to take your time with the spice base, allowing the whole spices to release their oils and aromas before adding the chicken and other ingredients. Preparing a fresh ginger-garlic paste ensures that the curry has a lively and robust foundation. Simmering the chicken slowly and uncovered helps thicken the sauce and concentrate the flavors, while stirring occasionally prevents sticking or burning. Using ripe, good-quality dried apricots enhances the sweetness without overwhelming the curry. Fresh coriander added at the end brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. For the best texture, add the crispy potato salli or sev just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Conclusion

Chicken Curry with Apricots is a richly flavored and aromatic dish that perfectly balances savory spices with the gentle sweetness of dried fruit. This recipe is both comforting and vibrant, showcasing a sophisticated layering of tastes and textures that will please both curry enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The use of tender chicken thighs ensures moist, flavorful meat, while the topping of crispy potato strands adds an exciting crunch that transforms the dish into a full sensory experience. Healthy, hearty, and full of character, this curry is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion meal. It invites you to explore the beautiful harmony of sweet and savory flavors, warm spices, and fresh herbs—all coming together to create a dish that feels both timeless and novel. Whether served with rice or bread, this curry promises to be a memorable addition to your recipe collection and a new favorite at your table.