Juicy Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe for Summer Grills

Crafting delectable curried apricot chicken sosaties brings a burst of South African culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Skewers marinated in vibrant spices promise an explosion of flavor that will dance across your palate.

Tender chicken pieces nestled between sweet apricots create a remarkable blend of tastes and textures.

Aromatic curry notes weave through each morsel, inviting you to savor every single bite.

Cape Malay influences shine through this traditional recipe, connecting generations of passionate cooks.

Grilling transforms these sosaties into a celebration of bold, interconnected flavors that spark conversation and delight.

Ready to embark on a delicious adventure that transports you straight to the heart of South African cuisine?

Tasty Variations for Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

• Vegetarian Sosaties: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, marinating in the same spice blend for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Lamb Sosaties: Swap chicken thighs with tender lamb cubes, maintaining the same rich curry marinade for a traditional South African preparation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free curry powder and ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Version: Skip the dried apricots and replace bell peppers with zucchini chunks, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the spicy flavor profile intact.

Serving Suggestions for Apricot Chicken Sosaties

Zesty Summer Platter: Create a vibrant spread with grilled sosaties alongside fresh herb-infused couscous and a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these sosaties in a cooler for outdoor gatherings, complemented by a crisp quinoa salad with mint and lemon dressing that balances the curry’s warmth.

Flavor Fusion Feast: Serve sosaties over saffron rice with a side of mango chutney and roasted seasonal vegetables to highlight the dish’s South African and Indian culinary influences.

Weekend Entertaining Spread: Present sosaties on a large wooden board with mini mezze – hummus, olives, pickled vegetables – for a casual yet impressive shared dining experience.

How to Store Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Properly

• Store leftover sosaties in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring they're covered completely to prevent drying out.
• Wrap sosaties individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place sosaties on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• What are sosaties?

Sosaties are traditional South African skewers similar to kebabs, typically made with marinated meat and grilled over an open flame, originating from Cape Malay cuisine.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works fine, but thighs are more flavorful and tender. Just be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.

• How long should I soak bamboo skewers?

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.

• Can I make these sosaties in the oven?

Absolutely! Bake at 400F (200C) on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Bursting with Flavor

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinate chicken overnight to infuse rich, deep curry and spice flavors that transform ordinary grilled chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Create Colorful Plate Presentation: Alternate chicken, apricots, red onions, and bell peppers on skewers for a vibrant, appetizing dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
• Master Global Cooking Technique: Learn South African-inspired sosatie method, which combines grilling and marinating for a unique international cooking style that impresses family and friends.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or serve with multiple side options like rice, salad, or flatbread to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Flavorful Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

• Chicken Thighs: A tender and flavorful meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully.

• Plain Yogurt: Provides a creamy base and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Curry Powder, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Ground Turmeric: Create a rich and aromatic spice blend that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute depth and warmth to the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.

• Dried Apricots, Red Onion, Bell Pepper: Add sweetness, texture, and color to the sosaties, creating a balanced and visually appealing dish.
• Bamboo Skewers: Serve as the base for assembling and grilling the ingredients.

How to Prepare Delicious Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

• Plain yogurt
• Curry powder
• Ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Ground turmeric
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes a smooth, aromatic blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Deliciousness

Toss chicken thigh cubes into the marinade, massaging each piece until it’s completely covered in the spicy-tangy mixture.

Pop the bowl into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you want an extra flavor explosion.

Step 3: Prepare Colorful Skewers

Soak bamboo skewers in water to prevent burning.

• Marinated chicken
• Dried apricots
• Red onion chunks
• Bell pepper chunks

Create a beautiful pattern that looks as good as it’ll taste.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Heat your grill to medium-high, getting it nice and hot for some serious sizzling action.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place your sosaties on the grill, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Watch for those gorgeous char marks and golden-brown edges.

Cook for 10-15 minutes, making sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Slide those gorgeous sosaties onto a platter and serve immediately.

Pair with rice, a fresh salad, or warm flatbread for a complete meal that’ll transport your taste buds to a flavor paradise.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken Sosaties

• Completely immerse bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
• Let chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator to allow spices and yogurt to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Alternate chicken, apricots, onions, and peppers to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation with each bite.
• Replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for different dietary preferences while maintaining the rich, aromatic marinade profile.

Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent South African sosaties featuring curried apricot chicken combine sweet and savory flavors from Cape Malay cuisine. Marinade and skewered meat create a delightful grilling experience you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 Chicken

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Aromatics:

• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

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Instructions

1. Create a fragrant marinade by whisking together yogurt, curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken thigh cubes in the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is completely covered with the spice mixture.
3. Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat.
4. Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
5. Prepare the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 400-450°F.
6. Assemble sosaties by threading alternating pieces of marinated chicken, dried apricots, red onion chunks, and bell pepper pieces onto the soaked skewers.
7. Place sosaties on the preheated grill, rotating every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks.
8. Grill for approximately 10-15 minutes, checking that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
9. Remove sosaties from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Plate the sosaties with complementary sides such as herbed rice, fresh salad, or warm flatbread, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
• Customize the marinade’s spice level by adjusting curry powder and adding chili flakes for extra heat.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free yogurt and double-check all spice blend ingredients.
• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for a vegetarian twist on the sosaties.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: South African

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 63 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg