Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Apricot Glaze
Embrace the aromatic flavors of North Africa with this Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Apricot Glaze. This dish beautifully combines tender chicken marinated in a symphony of spices, including cumin, turmeric, paprika, and coriander, creating a tantalizing balance of flavors. The sweetness of dried apricots melds perfectly with the savory spices and rich chicken stock, resulting in a dish that's both comforting and exotic. Serve this delightful creation over a fluffy bed of couscous, alongside roasted acorn squash, and topped with a refreshing creamy mint yogurt sauce for a truly memorable meal. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and sumptuous taste.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
turmeric
1 tablespoon (none)
paprika
1 tablespoon (none)
coriander
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic salt
1 tablespoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
onion
1 (chopped)
dried apricots
1/2 cup (cut into bite-sized pieces)
chicken stock
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken cubes and seal the bag. Squeeze and massage the bag to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. You may need to do this in batches if your skillet is not large enough.
3
After browning the chicken, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion to the empty space and sauté until caramelized and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the onions are ready, stir in the dried apricots and chicken stock. Gently combine with the chicken, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
6
Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot with couscous, roasted acorn squash, and a dollop of creamy mint yogurt sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moroccan Spiced Chicken with Apricot Glaze?
It is a flavorful North African dish featuring tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices like cumin and turmeric, then simmered in a sweet and savory apricot and chicken stock glaze.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
You can use 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken, either breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor results, you can let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
What spices are used in the Moroccan marinade?
The marinade includes olive oil, cumin, turmeric, paprika, coriander, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes.
Is this Moroccan chicken dish spicy?
It contains red pepper flakes and various aromatic spices, giving it a tantalizing balance of heat and savory notes.
How do I prepare the dried apricots?
The dried apricots should be cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the skillet.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to combine the oil and spices in a gallon-sized zip-top bag to marinate the chicken cubes.
Should I brown the chicken before simmering?
Yes, brown the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
What if my skillet is too small for all the chicken?
If your skillet is not large enough, you should brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
How are the onions prepared for this dish?
One onion should be chopped and then sauteed in the skillet until it is caramelized and translucent.
How long does it take to saute the onions?
The onions typically take about 5 to 7 minutes to become caramelized and translucent.
What liquid is used to create the glaze?
Two cups of chicken stock are added along with the dried apricots to create the base for the glaze.
How long should the dish simmer?
Once the stock and apricots are added, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of simmering the chicken?
Simmering allows the aromatic flavors to meld together and ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
What side dishes are recommended with this recipe?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy couscous with a side of roasted acorn squash.
What condiment is suggested for topping?
A refreshing dollop of creamy mint yogurt sauce is recommended to top the chicken.
How do I ensure the chicken is well-coated in spices?
Squeeze and massage the zip-top bag containing the marinade and chicken cubes to distribute the spices evenly.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While the recipe calls for olive oil, you can use other high-heat cooking oils if preferred.
Should I scrape the bottom of the pan while cooking?
Yes, when adding the stock, gently scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan as they add extra flavor to the sauce.
Is garlic salt a necessary ingredient?
Garlic salt provides both seasoning and flavor, but you could substitute it with fresh garlic and sea salt if necessary.
Does the recipe require fresh or dried coriander?
The recipe specifies coriander, which typically refers to the ground dried spice in this context.
Can I substitute the chicken stock?
Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute, though chicken stock provides a richer flavor for this specific dish.
How should I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Taste the sauce after simmering and add extra salt or red pepper flakes if needed before serving.
What makes this dish exotic?
The combination of North African spices like turmeric and cumin with the sweetness of dried apricots creates its exotic flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it an excellent choice for impressing guests.
What is the preparation for the chicken?
The chicken should be boneless and skinless, then cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
How much cumin is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cumin.
What size should I cut the apricots?
Cut the dried apricots into bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
Can I use fresh apricots?
The recipe calls for dried apricots, which provide a concentrated sweetness and hold their shape better during simmering than fresh fruit.