Fragrant Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds: A Taste of Morocco
Transport yourself to Morocco with this fragrant Chicken Tagine, a symphony of savory and sweet. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, spiced broth infused with the sweetness of apricots and the crunch of toasted almonds. This vibrant and flavorful dish, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, offers a delightful taste of exotic warmth. This #chickentagine is a FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com favorite for its rich flavors and relative ease of preparation.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavorful & Aromatic: The blend of spices creates a warm and inviting aroma.
- Sweet & Savory Balance: The apricots provide a delicious sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
- Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures incredibly tender and flavorful chicken.
- Impressive Presentation: A beautiful and exotic dish that's perfect for entertaining.
- Relatively Easy: Simpler to make than you might think!
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 400ml (1 3/4 cups) chicken broth
- 200g (7 oz) dried apricots, halved
- 50g (1/4 cup) honey
- 50g (1/2 cup) slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown chicken in batches until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion to the pot and cook until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute more.
- Bloom Spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and saffron. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Broth & Apricots: Pour in chicken broth and add apricots and honey. Bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits.
- Return Chicken: Return chicken to the pot.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
- Garnish: Stir in almonds and cilantro.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Using a Tagine: A traditional tagine is ideal, but a Dutch oven works well.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust honey to your preference.
- Add Vegetables: Include carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with ras el hanout for a more complex flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this #moroccanfood with couscous or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. A simple side salad or some steamed green beans would complement the dish perfectly. A dry rosé wine would pair exceptionally well with the complex flavors of the tagine.
More Exotic Recipes
For more globally-inspired recipes, explore our collection on FlavorTrailRecipes.blogspot.com – we've got a world of flavor waiting for you!