Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this Fragrant Apricot-Almond Chicken Tagine. This dish combines tender chicken with a medley of warm spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures.
The slow-cooked chicken simmers in a rich sauce infused with cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, while the golden raisins add a delightful sweetness that balances the savory elements. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this tagine is perfect served over fluffy couscous or alongside warm crusty bread.
Ingredients
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large tagine or heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric; add to the pot.
- Sear chicken on all sides until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and add chopped apricots and raisins; stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in sliced almonds and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Tip: Serve this tagine with couscous or warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and apricot preserves for a few hours before cooking. Feel free to substitute dried apricots with prunes or dried figs for a different sweetness profile.
When storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes well — just reheat gently on the stove to prevent the chicken from drying out.