Easy Apricot Chicken in a Pan

2 cups uncooked white rice

3 ½ cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast meat - cut into bite-size pieces

salt and pepper to taste

1 large onion, chopped

2 cups chicken stock

12 dried apricots, chopped

1 (8 ounce) jar apricot preserves

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons water

Bring the rice and 3 1/2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cover; simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, stir in the chicken, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the onions, and cook until the onions have softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes more. Pour in the chicken stock, dried apricots, and apricot preserves.

Bring the mixture to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the chicken is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, and stir into the simmering chicken mixture. Cook until the sauce has thickened and cleared, about 1 minute. Serve the apricot chicken over rice.