Chicken And Apricot Tagine

Chicken and Apricot Tagine is a fragrant, sweet, and savory dish that brings the exotic flavors of North Africa to your table. This traditional Moroccan stew features tender chicken slow-cooked with spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger, paired with the natural sweetness of dried apricots. The result is a beautifully balanced dish that combines warming spices with fruitiness, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic meal. Typically cooked in a tagine or a heavy pot, this dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to explore new flavors. Serve it with couscous or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Couscous or flatbread, for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large tagine or heavy pot over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, and brown them on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions and Spices: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Apricots: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Stir in the dried apricots and honey, then return the browned chicken to the pot.
4. Simmer the Tagine: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through, and the apricots are soft and plump. Stir occasionally to make sure the sauce is thickening nicely.
5. Add Almonds: Stir in the toasted almonds during the last few minutes of cooking to add a delicious crunch.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the tagine with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Serve the chicken and apricot tagine with couscous or flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

This Chicken and Apricot Tagine is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, with tender chicken and aromatic spices that make for an unforgettable meal that’s both comforting and exotic!