Recipe: Honey Sesame Chicken Nuggets with Honey Apricot Dipping Sauce

HONEY SESAME CHICKEN NUGGETS

1/3 plus 1/2 cups honey, divided use
1/3 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup rice vinegar, divided use
1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nuggets
3/4 cup finely diced dried apricots
Salt and pepper, to taste
2/3 cup sesame seeds

In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup honey, soy sauce, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, ginger and onion powder. Add chicken; cover and refrigerate to marinate 30 minutes.

To make dipping sauce, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring remaining 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup rice vinegar to a boil. Add apricots and return to a boil. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; cool slightly, then puree to desired consistency in a blender or food processor. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sesame seeds in a shallow dish. Coat nuggets with sesame seeds and place on prepared baking sheet.

Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.

Serve warm nuggets with Honey Apricot Dipping Sauce.

Makes 6 servings
Source: the National Honey Board