Sweet Chicken Recipe for the Jewish New Year

Chicken Apricot

During the high holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is customary to eat sweet foods to symbolize hope for a sweet year ahead. Typical foods on the Jewish table include sliced apples served with honey, sweet potato tzimmes, raisin challah, honey cake, noodle kugel and poultry or meats cooked with fruit and honey.

Rosh Hashanah leads to Yom Kippur, also known as the Day Of Atonement. It is the holiest day of the year for Jewish people. Wishing those who fast, an easy one! We say “Shanah Tovah” (Have a good year)!

Sweet Chicken Recipe
Ingredients (use organic when available); 

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried
  • 1/2 cup apricot all fruit preserves
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Non stick cooking spray

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Remove any excess skin and fat. Spray a large casserole dish with cooking spray. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika and thyme. Place in a single layer in the prepared casserole.
In a small bowl, combine the apricot preserves, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, curry powder, and ginger; mix well. Pour the mixture over the chicken, coating it on all sides. (If desired, the chicken can be prepared in advance and refrigerated the night before.) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the chicken, covered, for 1 hour, basting with the sauce every 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer or until the chicken is glazed and golden.

Serves 6.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 490 calories, 22 g carbohydrate, 77 g protein, 8.2 g fat,  204 mg cholesterol, 370 mg sodium, 565 mg potassium, high in iron and vitamin C.