This Moroccan-style chicken tagine brings warm, aromatic spices and tender chicken together with sweet apricots for a delightful mediterranean dinner recipe. You’ll love how simple yet flavorful this one-pot dish is, making it perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time to prevent dryness.
- Apricots: Use dried apricots; fresh apricots will not provide the same sweetness or texture.
- Spices (Ginger, Turmeric, Cumin, Coriander, Cinnamon): Essential for authentic flavor. Do not substitute these.
- Onion & Garlic: Foundation for many mediterranean dinner recipes.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works well as an alternative.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Tools needed: Large pot or Dutch oven, measuring spoons and cups, cutting board, knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. You are not cooking them through, just getting some color.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Remove chicken and set aside. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Tagine
Return the chicken to the pot. Add dried apricots, diced tomatoes (undrained), and chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Finish with Cilantro
Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and season with salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh cilantro. This flavorful mediterranean dinner recipe is wonderful with couscous or rice.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a handful of blanched almonds during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra crunch.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of chickpeas with the broth for added protein and fiber.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Moroccan chicken tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this tagine in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics and spices as directed, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken is tender.
What should I serve with Moroccan chicken tagine?
Couscous, rice, or flatbread are traditional and delicious accompaniments for this rich mediterranean dinner recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is aromatic and flavorful but not typically spicy. If you prefer a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, but you will need to increase the cooking time slightly until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Where can I find dried apricots?
Dried apricots are commonly found in the baking aisle or dried fruit section of most grocery stores.
What if I don’t have all the spices?
For the best flavor, try to use all the listed spices. If absolutely necessary, you can omit one, but the overall flavor profile of this mediterranean dinner recipe may be altered.