Cooking : Apricot Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar

Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
salt and pepper to taste
1 large onion, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, or to taste
20 dried apricots
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup apricot preserves
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Directions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook in the hot oil until golden brown around the edges, but still pink in the center, about 5 minutes. Stir in the onion, and cook for about 3 minutes more. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, bring it to a simmer, and allow it to reduce for a few minutes.
Cut half of the apricots in half, leaving the others whole. Place the apricots into the skillet, and pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the apricot preserves and thyme. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the apricots have softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.