Tantalize your taste buds with an exotic culinary journey to Morocco with our delectable Moroccan Apricot Chicken recipe. This mouthwatering dish is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, featuring succulent chicken pieces nestled in a vibrant sauce made with aromatic spices, juicy apricots, and a hint of honey. It's a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a delightful hint of tartness from the apricots.
Alongside the main recipe, we also offer a flavorful variation using chicken thighs for a richer taste and a succulent texture. For those seeking a vegetarian alternative, we present a tantalizing vegetarian version that swaps out the chicken for hearty chickpeas, creating a protein-packed and equally delicious dish. Whether you prefer chicken or chickpeas, this recipe has something for every palate.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can recreate these culinary delights. With its vibrant colors and enticing aromas, this Moroccan Apricot Chicken is sure to impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure to the heart of Morocco.
EASY CROCK POT MOROCCAN CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND APRICOT TAGINE
This is one of my family's favourite recipes; I am constantly asked all the time to make it. I was taught it by a Moroccan friend who also lives in France - it is an old family recipe passed down for many years. It is great all year around - served with flat breads or pitta breads & assorted salads in spring & summer or served with hot fluffy & fruity couscous, assorted chutneys or pickles in the depths of winter. I make mine in a fantastic "Electric Tagine" made by Tefal; it of course works in a more traditional clay tagine - BUT the real secret is.......it works like a dream in a Slow cooker/Crock Pot. Try it out! If you cannot get Ras-el-Hanout, which is an exotic Moroccan spice mixture, including rose petals - don't worry, use the other spices I have listed instead; or I have a Ras-el-Hanout recipe posted on Recipezaar: Recipe #205185 N.B. I notice in a review that it has been suggested that Chemical Heat is needed!! The great thing about sharing recipes is that they can be adapted to personal taste. BUT, this is not supposed to be a "Hot" recipe, but a "Fragrant & Fruity" recipe!! A Tagine by definition is SLOW cooked over a LOW heat & is very fruity with subtle undertones of heat! However, life would be boring if you couldn't add a bit of "heat", but it's just not traditional. What is traditional, is to allow your guests to add their own heat, so have a bowl of "Harissa" on the table. Preserved lemons are also a wonderful and traditional addition - I have a recipe posted on Recipezaar: Recipe #209590 PLEASE NOTE: This recipe lists canned chickpeas in the ingredients, NOT dried! If you use dried chickpeas, you MUST soak them and cook them first!
Provided by French Tart
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 3h30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- PLEASE NOTE: This recipe lists canned chickpeas in the ingredients, NOT dried! If you use dried chickpeas, you MUST soak them and cook them first!
- Heat up olive oil in a frying pan/skillet & saute chopped onions & garlic for 5-10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock & gradually mix in flour or cornflour until well mixed & not lumpy.Add honey & tomato paste & mix well.
- Add herbs,spices & finely chopped ginger with salt & pepper to taste.
- Finally add tinned tomatoes & mix well.
- Pour the above tomato,onion & spice mix into slow cooker or tagine.
- Add chicken & chickpeas & mix well.
- Add dried apricots making sure they are covered by juice. (Add the carrots if using.).
- Give it a gentle but good stir to mix everything together well.
- Crock Pot or Slow Cooker - Cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours OR automatic with keep warm facility for up to 8 hours. (Please note that the cooking times depend on your crockpot, the cooking times I have suggested work fine with mine which is a Morphy Richards Slow Cooker.).
- If cooking in a Traditional Tagine, do as above & cook SLOWLY over gas or barbeque for about 2-3 hours.
- Electric Tagine cooking - same as the slowcooker. If you need to thicken it up towards the end of the cooking time, add cornflour which has been mixed with a little water & add to the tagine - mix well.
- Serve with freshly chopped Coriander/Cilantro sprinked on top & either with couscous, rice, fresh flat bread, pitta bread or salads. It is also good (if not traditional) served with fluffy pureed or mashed potatoes & pasta.
- Note: You can use chicken pieces or whole chicken which has been cut up into portions, but you will then need to brown them in a frying pan or skillet beforehand. Preserved lemons make a great addition, add them when you add the apricots and carrots.
MOROCCAN APRICOT CHICKEN
Traditionally, this Moroccan chicken with apricots dish includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. Serve it alone or with couscous for a heartier meal. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 4h40m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add almonds; cook and stir until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, brown chicken on both sides. Remove from heat. Transfer chicken to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir chili sauce, preserves, apricots, Moroccan seasoning, vanilla and garlic powder into drippings. Pour over chicken., Cook, covered, on low until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 170°-175°, 4 to 4-1/2 hours. Stir in garbanzo beans and orange juice. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 15-30 minutes longer. Serve with almonds. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 482 calories, Fat 21g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 633mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 28g protein.
EASY CROCK POT MOROCCAN CHICKEN, CHICKPEA AND APRICOT TAGINE
Steps:
- Heat up olive oil in a frying pan/skillet & saute chopped onions & garlic for 5-10 minutes. Add chicken stock & gradually mix in flour or cornflour until well mixed & not lumpy. Add honey & tomato paste & mix well. Add herbs,spices & finely chopped ginger with salt & pepper to taste. Finally add tinned tomatoes & mix well. Pour the above tomato,onion & spice mix into slow cooker or tagine. Add chicken & chickpeas & mix well. Add dried apricots making sure they are covered by juice. (Add the carrots if using.). Give it a gentle but good stir to mix everything together well. Crock Pot or Slow Cooker - Cook on high for about 3 to 4 hours OR automatic with keep warm facility for up to 8 hours. If cooking in a Traditional Tagine, do as above & cook SLOWLY over gas or barbeque for about 2-3 hours. Serve with freshly chopped Coriander/Cilantro sprinked on top & either with couscous, rice, fresh flat bread, pita bread or salads. It is also good (if not traditional) served with fluffy pureed or mashed potatoes & pasta. Note: Preserved lemons make a great addition, add them when you add the apricots and carrots.
MOROCCAN SPICED CHICKEN AND APRICOT STEW
Steps:
- 1. Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Carefully lay 6 of the chicken thighs into the skillet, skin-side down; cook until golden, about 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over and continue to cook until the second side is golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker. Using paper towels, remove and discard the browned chicken skin. Pour off all but 2 teaspoons of the fat left in the skillet and return to medium-high heat until just smoking. Brown the remaining chicken, transfer it to the slow cooker, and discard the skin. 2. Pour off all but 2 teaspoons of the fat left in the skillet and return to medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and ¼ teaspoon salt; cook, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, and paprika; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the apricots and 2½ cups of the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. 3. Cover and cook on low until the chicken is almost tender, about 3 to 4 hours. Quickly stir in the chickpeas, replace the cover, and cook until the chicken is tender but not falling apart, about 1 hour longer. 4. Transfer the chicken to a carving board and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Discard the cinnamon stick. Set the slow cooker to high. Whisk the flour with the remaining ½ cup chicken broth until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. Continue to cook on high until the sauce is thickened and no longer tastes of flour, 10 to 15 minutes longer. Stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and allow to heat through before serving. Serve with lemon wedges.
MOROCCAN CHICKEN SOUP WITH APRICOT COUSCOUS
From what I understand, this Moroccan-Style soup reflects many of the bold spices in North Africa, such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon and cardamon. Here we made Apricot Couscous, to serve on top. The numbers are not low but you are getting a whole and very filling meal! The couscous also makes a nice side dish for chicken, fish or lamb. Make the couscous while making the soup. CuisineAtHome.com - June 2009
Provided by Manami
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 40m
Yield 9 cups
Number Of Ingredients 31
Steps:
- SOUP:.
- Sauté onion in oil in a large pot over medium heat until onion is soft, 5 minutes.
- Add gingerroot, garlic, paprika, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, and pepper flakes.
- Cook 1 minute.
- Deglaze pot with wine, reduce until liquid is nearly evaporated.
- Stir in broth, chicken, chickpeas, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and olives.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer soup for 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish soup with cilantro and almonds.
- Serve with Apricot Couscous and E N J O Y!
- APRICOT COUSCOUS:.
- Bring water honey, oil, lemon juice, zest and salt to a boil in a saucepan.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in couscous and apricots: cover and let stand until water is absorbed, about 5 minutes.
- Fluff couscous with a fork before serving with soup.
Tips:
- Before cooking, remove the pits from the apricots and cut them into halves or quarters. This will help them cook more evenly and release their flavor.
- If you don't have saffron threads, you can use a pinch of ground saffron instead. Just be sure to add it to the dish towards the end of cooking, as it can lose its flavor if cooked for too long.
- To make sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the chicken with a side of rice, couscous, or pita bread. You can also garnish it with fresh cilantro or parsley.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Moroccan Apricot Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The combination of sweet apricots, savory chicken, and aromatic spices creates a delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new chicken recipe to try, give Moroccan Apricot Chicken a try. You won't be disappointed!
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