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Exotic Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Exotic Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Faisal shahzad
Exotic Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Sweet Apricots is a flavorful and aromatic dish that represents the rich culinary heritage of Morocco. This recipe combines tender chicken, a medley of spices, and the natural sweetness of dried apricots to create a harmonious and exotic dining experience. Served alongside couscous or crusty bread and accompanied by fresh herbs, salads, and Moroccan tea, this tagine is a delightful journey through the diverse and vibrant flavors of Morocco. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo, it's a culinary adventure that captures the essence of Moroccan hospitality and cuisine, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Moroccan
Servings 4 People
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Tagine Pot The traditional vessel for cooking tagine dishes. It's a cone-shaped clay or ceramic pot with a flat base and a conical lid. If you don't have a tagine pot , you can use a heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid as an alternative.
  • Knife and Cutting Board For chopping onions, garlic, and any other necessary ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups To accurately measure spices, liquids, and other ingredients.
  • Tongs or Cooking Utensils For handling and turning the chicken pieces while cooking.
  • Small Bowl For mixing the chicken marinade spices.
  • Saucepan(Optional) To toast the blanched almonds separately, if desired, or you can toast them in the tagine pot before cooking the chicken.
  • Serving Dish To present the finished tagine.

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup dried apricots soaked in warm water for 30 minutes and drained
  • 1/4 cup blanched almonds toasted
  • 2 tablespoons honey for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon preserved lemon peel optional, for a tangy flavor
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and salt to the pot and cook for 1 minute more.
  • Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
  • Stir in the apricots and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Stir in the cilantro and serve with couscous or rice.

Notes

Special Notes:

  • You can adjust the quantity of dried apricots to suit your taste – more for a sweeter dish, less for a milder sweetness.
  • Preserved lemon peel can be found in Middle Eastern or specialty stores. If unavailable, you can substitute with a small amount of fresh lemon zest.
Ensure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking to make the preparation process smoother.
**Recipe Timing:** Plan ahead, as this dish benefits from slow cooking to allow the flavors to meld. It's perfect for a weekend meal when you have some extra time to savor the cooking process.
**Chicken Choice:** While chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and flavor, you can use chicken drumsticks or a combination of different cuts if preferred. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
**Tagine Pot Maintenance:** If using a traditional tagine pot, remember to soak it in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent cracking when exposed to high heat.
**Adjusting Sweetness:** The sweetness of the dish can be customized by varying the quantity of dried apricots and honey. Feel free to tweak these ingredients to suit your personal taste.
**Preserved Lemon Substitute:** If you don't have preserved lemon peel, a small amount of fresh lemon zest can provide a similar zesty note to the tagine.
**Cooking Temperature:** Maintain a low and gentle simmer throughout the cooking process to ensure the chicken remains tender and the sauce develops its full flavor.
**Stirring Frequency:** Avoid stirring the tagine too often to prevent breaking apart the chicken pieces. Instead, gently shake the pot occasionally to distribute the sauce evenly.
**Leftovers:** This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
With these notes in mind, you'll be well-equipped to create a delectable Exotic Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Sweet Apricots that's sure to impress your taste testers and transport them to the heart of Morocco with every bite. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Keyword Exotic Moroccan Chicken Tagine