====== Apricot Chicken with Rice ======

  *1 cup rice
  *1 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots (or any other dried fruit or combination)
  *1 Tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  *1 onion - minced
  *3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves cut into medium chunks
  *1/3 cup chopped walnuts
  *2 Tbsp Honey
  *1/2 tsp salt
  *1/4 tsp cinnamon
  *fresh ground pepper to taste
  *1 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in water
  *1 Tbsp chopped fresh mint or 1 1/2 tsp dried mint (mint optional)

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  - Place the apricots in a small bowl and cover them with boining water; set them aside to plump.
  - Cook 1 cup rice according to package directions
  - Heat the oil in a large skillet. add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is softened, about 3 min.
  - Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until it is browned, about 5 min.
  - Add the apricots with their liquid, walnuts, honey, salt, cinnamon and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken is done and the ingredients are heated through, about 5 min.
  - Add the cornstarch and water and heat for 1-2 min until thickened.
  - Serve the mixture over rice and sprinkle with the mint.

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  Serves: 4       Total cook time: 15 min plus rice cooking time
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{{tag>food meat maincourse}}