Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties
Sweet, savory, and gently spiced—Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties bring bold South African flavor to simple grilled chicken skewers. You get tender marinated chicken, warm curry spice, and sticky apricot glaze that caramelizes beautifully over heat. One bite tastes smoky, fruity, and comforting all at once.
I first tried sosaties at a backyard barbecue, and honestly, plain grilled chicken never felt exciting again. Ever taste something that’s both sweet and savory in the perfect balance? That’s exactly the magic happening here.
What Are Chicken Sosaties?
Sosaties are traditional South African skewers made with marinated meat, dried fruit, and aromatic spices, usually cooked over an open flame (called a braai). The signature flavor combines:
- Curry spices for warmth
- Apricot sweetness for contrast
- Vinegar or lemon for brightness
- Slow marination for tenderness
This balance creates a dish that feels rich yet fresh—simple grilling with deep cultural roots.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken & Marinade
- 1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
- ½ cup apricot jam or preserves
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Skewers
- Dried apricots or onion chunks (optional but traditional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Simple pantry ingredients—big flavor payoff.
How to Make Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Apricot jam
- Curry powder
- Lemon juice
- Soy sauce
- Garlic and brown sugar
The mixture should taste sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced. Adjust salt or curry to your liking.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken cubes to the marinade and mix until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Longer marination = tender meat and deeper flavor. Patience really pays off here.
3. Assemble the Skewers
Thread chicken onto skewers, alternating with:
- Dried apricots for sweetness
- Onion pieces for a savory bite
This classic combination gives sosaties their signature look and flavor contrast.
4. Grill or Roast
Grill Method (best flavor):
- Cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes
- Turn occasionally and brush with extra marinade
- Grill until slightly charred and cooked through
Oven Method:
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes
- Broil briefly for caramelized edges
Either way, you want sticky, glossy, lightly charred chicken.
Tips for Perfect Sosaties
Flavor Tips
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier texture
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat
- Include turmeric or ginger for deeper spice
Texture Tips
- Don’t overcrowd skewers—heat must circulate
- Turn frequently for even caramelization
- Rest 5 minutes before serving to keep juices inside
Small steps make a big difference.
Easy Variations to Try
1. Lamb or Beef Sosaties
Swap chicken for cubed lamb or beef for a richer, traditional braai flavor.
2. Pineapple Apricot Sosaties
Add pineapple chunks for tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with curry spice.
3. Spicy Chili Version
Mix chili paste or cayenne into the marinade for stronger heat.
What to Serve With Sosaties
These skewers pair beautifully with:
- Yellow rice with raisins (classic South African side)
- Flatbread or naan
- Fresh tomato and cucumber salad
- Grilled vegetables
Sweet, spiced chicken loves simple, fresh sides.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze: Marinated raw chicken freezes well for 2 months.
Reheat gently in the oven or skillet to keep the glaze from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I cook sosaties without a grill?
Yes. The oven or stovetop works well, though grilling adds the best smoky flavor. A quick broil helps mimic charred edges.
Q2. Is apricot jam necessary?
It’s traditional and gives the signature sweet-tangy glaze. Peach jam or chutney can substitute if needed.
Q3. How spicy are sosaties?
Usually mild and aromatic, not hot. Add chili if you prefer a stronger heat.
Q4. Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Marinate overnight and grill the next day for deeper flavor and easy entertaining.
Q5. Are sooties healthy?
They’re fairly balanced—lean protein, moderate sugar, and grilled cooking instead of frying.
Q6. Why are dried apricots added to skewers?
They create sweet bursts of flavor that contrast the savory curry chicken—one of the dish’s defining traits.
Final Thoughts
Curried Apricot Chicken Sosaties deliver everything great grilled food should—juicy meat, caramelized glaze, gentle spice, and bright sweetness in every bite. They feel festive enough for gatherings yet simple enough for weeknight cooking.
Next time you want grilled chicken that actually feels exciting, try these sticky, fragrant skewers. Because honestly, once you taste that sweet-curried apricot glaze, plain barbecue chicken just doesn’t stand a chance.
