Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Toasted Almonds
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Your Ticket to Marrakech!
Fancy a taste of Morocco tonight? I'm talking vibrant spices and sweet fruity flavours. Our star today: chicken tagine dishes .
This isn't just dinner; it's a mini holiday for your taste buds. Honestly, who needs a plane ticket when you've got a tagine pot?
What's the Tagine Tale?
Chicken Tagine , or Tagine Chicken, is a classic from North Africa. It's a slow cooked stew, traditionally cooked in a special earthenware pot called a tagine.
Don't worry, a Dutch oven works just as well. This recipe is at a medium difficulty. Prep takes around 25 minutes , and cooking is about 1 hour 15 minutes .
This Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe makes about 6 servings , perfect for family or a dinner party.
Why This Chicken Tagine with Apricots is Special
This recipe shines with a hint of sweetness. The dried apricots add a fantastic flavour, and they're full of fibre too! This Chicken Tagine With Couscous is also packed with protein.
It's great for a cosy night in or impressing guests. What makes it extra special? The blend of spices creates an incredibly fragrant and warming dish.
Think comfort food with a touch of exotic charm. You know? Like something out of a movie! Let's get to the ingredients and start prepping this Authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine .
Ingredients & Equipment for Amazing Tagine Chicken
Let's talk about what you'll need for some seriously tasty chicken tagine dishes . Trust me; once you get the hang of these Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipes , you'll be making them all the time.
It's way easier than you think! This Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe will soon be a staple.
Main Ingredients Sorted
First, let's gather our stars. We need about 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of chicken. Thighs and drumsticks work great.
Honestly, I prefer bone-in, skin-on, for that extra flavour. You'll also need 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil for browning that delicious chicken.
A Authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine needs a good base.
Don't forget 1 large yellow onion , chopped. Plus, 3 cloves garlic , minced. I used to skip grating the ginger, but oh my gosh, what a difference it makes! Grate 1 inch (2.
5 cm) of fresh ginger. If your chicken looks pale you may have Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine
Seasoning Like a Pro
Now for the magic: spices! You'll want 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and coriander. Then, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne if you're feeling brave.
Salt and pepper, of course. I swear, the right spices are the key to amazing Tagine Recipes Chicken . The aromas will transport you.
For the tagine itself, a 14.5 oz (411 g) can of diced tomatoes does the trick. Grab 1 cup (240 ml) of chicken broth too.
Now, for the sweetness, ½ cup (75 g) of dried apricots (halved) and ¼ cup (35 g) of raisins. A little honey 2 tablespoons really ties it together.
And 1 tablespoon of lemon juice at the end gives it a lovely zing. Many Chicken Tagine With Couscous use these ingredients.
What's Needed to Cook
Don't stress too much about fancy equipment. You'll need a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven. A tagine pot is ideal, but don't worry if you don't have one.
A chopping board, a good knife, measuring spoons and cups, and a grater for the ginger. That's really all you need.
Oh, and a small skillet for toasting the almonds. Toasted almonds, you know, for garnish!
Get ready to create some delicious chicken tagine with vegetables . It's the kind of meal that makes everyone happy.
Unlocking Flavor: The Art of Simmering
Simmering. It's the low and slow cooking method. Honestly, it’s a culinary hug in a pot. Think gently bubbling, not raging rapids.
Simmering is key for so many things, but especially for rich, flavourful dishes like our Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipes .
Prep Like a Pro: Your Simmering Station
Before you even think about turning on the hob, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your veggies. Measure your spices.
This will seriously save you time. Trust me on this one! For our Tagine Chicken , having everything ready to go will make the Easy Chicken Tagine Recipe so much smoother.
Oh my gosh, you will thank me!
Simmering: step-by-step to Success
- Bring your liquid (broth, stock, or sauce) to a boil. This part is quick.
- Immediately reduce the heat. You want gentle bubbles, not a full-on boil. This is the difference between a simmer and a boil.
- Add your ingredients. Chicken pieces, vegetables, spices all in they go!
- Cover the pot. This traps the heat and moisture.
- Simmer gently. For chicken tagine dishes , typically around 1 hour , or until the chicken is tender. Remember, the internal temperature of chicken must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Check for doneness. Pierce the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Simmer
Want that Authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine taste? Remember these!
- Low and Slow Wins: Don't rush the process! A longer, gentler simmer develops deeper flavors and makes even budget cuts of chicken incredibly tender. The same trick can work for Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine .
- Don't Skimp on the Liquid: Keep an eye on the liquid level. You don’t want the ingredients drying out! Add more broth if needed. I’ve forgotten this before and paid the price with a burnt tagine. Not fun!
- Spice is Nice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A pinch of saffron or a dash of harissa can really elevate your Tagine Recipes Chicken .
Simmering isn't rocket science. But those Moroccan Chicken flavors? They are out of this world. Give it a go and prepare to be amazed.
Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Tagine Pro
Right, so you’re about to embark on a culinary journey with my Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipes . Honestly, you’re gonna love it.
But before you dive in, a few cheeky notes to make sure it’s absolutely spot on.
Fab Serving Suggestions
This chicken tagine with apricots looks amazing plated simply in a rustic bowl. I swear, presentation can make all the difference.
Sprinkle with extra toasted almonds and a generous handful of fresh coriander. You know? Serve alongside fluffy couscous, and you've got yourself a proper feast.
I always like a side of green beans or steamed carrots. A glass of chilled mint tea will really set it off.
It helps balance the richness of the tagine.
Ace Storage Tips
Right then, any leftovers of your tagine recipes chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure to use an airtight container. For freezing, portion it out before freezing. It makes things easier when you want a quick meal.
The tagine chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the hob.
I do this a lot, it’s a total lifesaver.
Variations - Let’s Get Creative
Fancy a change? One easy swap is using butternut squash and chickpeas for a veggie version. Honestly, it’s lush. If you like things a bit spicier, stir in a teaspoon of harissa paste.
You know? It gives it a nice kick. For a Moroccan chicken tagine twist, lamb can be used. Just remember it will need a longer cooking time.
Nutrition - The Basics
Each serving of this easy chicken tagine recipe clocks in around 450 calories. It is packed with protein and healthy fats.
The apricots also add a good dose of fiber. Remember, these are just estimates and it can vary. This Moroccan Chicken is good for you!
So there you have it! A few little pointers to elevate your authentic Moroccan chicken tagine . Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it.
You've got this, alright? Enjoy! And if you're in a real time crunch, there's always the option of a slow cooker chicken tagine .
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken tagine dishes in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the chicken as instructed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
Think of it as your "set it and forget it" version of a Moroccan masterpiece.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken tagine?
Leftover chicken tagine is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on "The Great British Baking Show".
I don't have a tagine pot. Can I still make this?
Definitely! A Dutch oven or any heavy bottomed pot with a tight fitting lid works perfectly well. The key is to create a good seal to trap the moisture and steam, which helps keep the chicken tender and infuses it with flavor.
Don't let the lack of fancy equipment stop you from whipping up these delicious chicken tagine dishes!
Can I substitute any ingredients in this chicken tagine recipe?
Of course! Feel free to swap out the apricots for dried figs or dates, or use currants instead of raisins. You can also adjust the spices to your liking add a pinch of harissa for extra heat, or use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own like choosing your own adventure!
Is there a way to make this chicken tagine vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe! Replace the chicken with chickpeas, butternut squash, or a combination of vegetables. Ensure that you're using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it fully vegan.
You might need to adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetables you use, but the core flavors will still be amazing it's like a vegetarian "Life on Mars", a familiar tune with a fresh twist!
Moroccan Chicken Tagine With Apricots And Toaste
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 4g |