Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots

Aromatic, savory-sweet, and soul-warming—this tagine is North African comfort at its best.


If you’re craving a cozy, slow-simmered meal full of warmth and spice, look no further than Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots. This dish features tender chicken braised in a fragrant sauce of cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and sweet dried fruit. Traditionally cooked in a clay pot called a tagine, this recipe adapts beautifully to stovetop or Dutch oven cooking—bringing the soul of Moroccan comfort food into your kitchen.


Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • A perfect balance of savory and sweet
  • Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
  • Customizable with vegetables or different proteins
  • Impressively flavorful yet surprisingly easy

Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or 2 whole legs, split)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Pinch of saffron (optional but traditional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots (halved)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Chopped almonds and fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a tagine or Dutch oven. Brown chicken on both sides and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft. Add spices and stir until fragrant.
  3. Return chicken to the pot. Add broth, apricots, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cover and simmer over low heat for 45–60 minutes, or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened.
  5. Garnish with almonds and cilantro before serving.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

  • Use dates or prunes instead of apricots for variety
  • Add carrots, chickpeas, or preserved lemon for depth
  • Make it vegetarian with chickpeas, sweet potato, and cauliflower
  • Want it spicier? Add a pinch of harissa or cayenne

Storage & Reheating

  • Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over fluffy couscous, rice, or quinoa
  • Pair with a cucumber-yogurt salad or warm flatbread
  • Add olives and preserved lemon for traditional flair

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 26g
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 540mg

Note: May vary depending on apricot type and cooking method.


Did You Try This Recipe?

Tag @comfortdishesofficial and show us your cozy Moroccan creations—we’d love to see how you make this soulful dish your own.


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