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