Cajun Chicken Bites With Apricot Mustard Sauce

A friend brought this to a pot-luck several years ago. It has been a favorite ever since. Just the right combination of sweet and spicy.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
• 2  teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon white pepper
• 2  teaspoons dried thyme, finely crumbled
• 1  tablespoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1 1⁄2 cups  apricot preserves
• 6  tablespoons dijon-style mustard
• 5  boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite size pieces
• 2  tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2  tablespoons  vegetable oil

Directions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl or plastic bag and stir or shake to mix well. Sprinkle chicken pieces with spice rub and let stand for about 30 minutes.
2. To make apricot mustard sauce, combine preserves and mustard in a small saucepan over low heat; stir to mix and heat gently until the preserves melt and are thoroughly blended with the mustard. Set aside to cool.
3. Heat butter and oil in sauté pan or skillet over medium high heat, add chicken pieces and sauté until just done, about 5 minutes. Remove with slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towel.
4. Serve hot with apricot mustard dipping sauce.