Fragrant Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Apricots & Chickpeas
Delve into a culinary journey with this Fragrant Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a quintessential comfort dish that balances the sweetness of dried apricots with the savory notes of succulent chicken and wholesome chickpeas. Passed down through generations and inspired by traditional Moroccan cuisine, this delightful dish combines aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors, making it a favorite in our home. Serve it warm with fluffy couscous or fresh pita bread, alongside crisp salads or zesty chutneys to create a harmonious meal that is perfect for any season. Whether you're gathering with family in the winter or entertaining friends in the summer, this tagine is sure to impress and satisfy. Let your guests personalize their servings with a touch of harissa for added warmth, and enjoy this alluring dish that tells a story of love and tradition with every bite.
6
Servings
583
Calories
23
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 large (chopped into large chunks (or assorted chicken pieces, about 3 lbs))
Flour
1 tablespoon (or 2 tablespoons of cornflour)
Onions
2 large (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3-4 (chopped finely)
Extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Fresh gingerroot
1 inch (finely chopped)
Dried apricots
6 ounces (chopped)
Tomato paste
2 tablespoons (for flavor enhancement)
Chopped tomatoes
2 (14-ounce) cans (canned)
Chickpeas
2 (14-ounce) cans (canned, drained)
Honey
3 tablespoons
Chicken stock
1/2 pint
Saffron or turmeric
1 pinch or 1 teaspoon
Ras el hanout spice mix
4 teaspoons (or make your own as desired)
Ground coriander
1 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper
to taste
Chopped fresh coriander
to serve ((Cilantro))
Carrots
2 (peeled & diced (optional))
Preserved lemons
1 (chopped into small wedges (optional))
Harissa
to serve
Instructions
1
Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 5 to 10 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and flour (or cornflour) until smooth, then stir in the honey and tomato paste until fully combined.
3
Incorporate the spices—ras el hanout, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste—along with the finely chopped ginger, mixing well to create a flavorful base.
4
Add the chopped canned tomatoes to the mixture and stir thoroughly, then pour this aromatic mixture into your slow cooker or electric tagine.
5
Introduce the chopped chicken pieces and drained chickpeas into the slow cooker, mixing everything until well combined. Nestle the dried apricots in, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. If using, add the diced carrots at this stage.
6
Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or use the automatic setting with a keep-warm feature for up to 8 hours. If cooked in a traditional or electric tagine, let the dish simmer slowly over low heat for about 2 to 3 hours.
7
If the tagine needs thickening towards the end of the cooking time, mix some cornflour with a little water and stir it into the dish until desired consistency is reached.
8
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped coriander/cilantro. Serve the tagine hot with fluffy couscous, rice, warm flatbreads, or salad. Optionally, offer preserved lemon and harissa on the side for those who enjoy an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
45
Carbs
55
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Moroccan Tagine?
The recipe uses 6 large boneless skinless chicken breasts chopped into chunks, or about 3 lbs of assorted chicken pieces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
It takes 3 to 4 hours on the high setting, or up to 8 hours on an automatic keep-warm setting.
Can I cook this in a traditional tagine?
Yes, if using a traditional or electric tagine, simmer the dish slowly over low heat for approximately 2 to 3 hours.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 583 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free if you use cornflour as the thickening agent instead of standard flour.
What side dishes go well with this tagine?
It is best served with fluffy couscous, rice, warm flatbreads like pita, or crisp salads.
What are the primary spices in the sauce?
The flavor base includes ras el hanout, ground coriander, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ginger.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 55 grams of protein per serving.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding two peeled and diced carrots as an optional ingredient.
What is the purpose of the dried apricots?
The apricots provide a traditional Moroccan sweetness that balances the savory chicken and aromatic spices.
Should I use canned or dried chickpeas?
The recipe calls for two 14-ounce cans of chickpeas, which should be drained before adding.
How do I thicken the tagine if the sauce is too thin?
Mix a small amount of cornflour with water and stir it into the dish near the end of the cooking time.
What can I use if I don't have saffron?
You can substitute one teaspoon of turmeric for the pinch of saffron.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a complex flavor profile with mild heat from cayenne, which can be adjusted or supplemented with harissa for extra spice.
What is Ras el Hanout?
It is a signature Moroccan spice blend that typically includes a dozen or more spices; you can use a store-bought mix or make your own.
Can I use chicken stock cubes?
Yes, you can use chicken stock made from cubes to reach the required 1/2 pint volume.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
Freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) is recommended for garnish before serving.
Can I add honey to the recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of honey are included to add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
How much ginger is required?
The recipe calls for a 1-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, finely chopped.
What kind of tomatoes are used?
Two 14-ounce cans of chopped canned tomatoes are used in the sauce.
What are preserved lemons?
They are an optional addition used as a garnish to provide a salty, fermented citrus kick common in Moroccan cooking.
Can I use a skillet for the entire process?
The skillet is used for the initial sautéing, but the slow cooking is finished in a slow cooker, electric tagine, or traditional tagine.
Is there any sugar in the ingredients?
While the nutritional data doesn't specify an exact amount, the honey and dried apricots contribute natural sugars.
How much carbohydrate is in a serving?
Each serving contains 45 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this a good dish for entertaining?
Yes, its fragrant aroma and vibrant presentation make it an impressive meal for guests in any season.
What is Harissa and how is it served?
Harissa is a hot chili pepper paste; the recipe suggests offering it on the side so guests can customize their own heat levels.