Name: Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots and LemonTs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: Chicken legs, bone-in, skin-on, or chicken thighs; Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon (or Ras el Hanout spice mix); Brown sugar or honey; Garlic and onions; Bell pepper; Squash or sweet potatoes (or root vegetables of choice); 1 tin of cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes; Dried apricots; Chicken stock (from a stock cube is fine); Lemon slices; Toasted slivered almonds for garnish

Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots and LemonTs

This vibrant Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a fragrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sweet apricots, tangy lemons, and a variety of warm spices. The hearty casserole is a feast for the senses, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly sour flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moroccan chicken tagine is a comforting and vibrant dish that brings warmth and depth to your meals. The combination of spices like cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of apricots and the tartness of preserved lemons. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that can be made in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it with fluffy couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

Chicken legs, bone-in, skin on, or chicken thighs
Spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon (or Ras el Hanout spice mix)
Brown sugar or honey for sweetness
Garlic and onions
Bell pepper
Squash or sweet potatoes (or root vegetables of choice)
A tin of cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
Dried apricots
Chicken stock (from a stock cube is fine)
Lemon slices
Toasted slivered almonds to garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Pat the chicken dry, season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large casserole dish and brown the chicken on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side. Set aside.
Lower the heat and sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper for 3-5 minutes until softened.
Stir in spices and sugar, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.
Add squash, apricots, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add chicken and preserved lemons. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Uncover, increase heat, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Toast the almonds in a dry skillet until golden, then garnish the tagine with them before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Chicken Type: You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks, or even substitute with lamb or beef for a different flavor.
Fruit Options: Swap dried apricots for dates, raisins, or prunes for a variation in sweetness.
Root Vegetables: If you prefer, you can use carrots, parsnips, or potatoes instead of squash or sweet potatoes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tagine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of water or stock to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can be used, they tend to dry out in a casserole. Chicken thighs or legs are recommended for better moisture retention.

2. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can slow-cook the ingredients on low for 4-6 hours for a tender and flavorful result.

3. What can I substitute for preserved lemons?

If you’re not familiar with preserved lemons, fresh lemon slices can work as a substitute for a milder flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Carrots, parsnips, and potatoes are excellent additions to the dish.

5. How do I serve Moroccan Chicken Tagine?

Serve it over couscous, rice, or with warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, Moroccan Chicken Tagine can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

7. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or a variety of root vegetables.

8. What spices are essential for Moroccan Chicken Tagine?

Cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and paprika are essential spices for this dish. You can also use Ras el Hanout as a shortcut.

9. Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

Dried apricots offer a more concentrated sweetness, but fresh apricots can work if you’re looking for a lighter flavor.

10. How can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?

Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less paprika or chili powder to suit your taste.

Conclusion

Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Lemons is a delightful dish that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for a family meal or entertaining guests. Whether you serve it with couscous, rice, or bread, this tagine will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe collection.