Moroccan cuisine is a diverse and flavorful blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Berber influences. Among its most iconic dishes is Moroccan chicken with chickpeas and apricots, a hearty and aromatic stew that combines the taste of succulent chicken with the earthy sweetness of chickpeas and the tangy bite of dried apricots. This dish is a testament to the vibrant culinary heritage of Morocco and is sure to tantalize your taste buds with its unique combination of spices and textures. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the steps of creating an authentic and delicious Moroccan chicken with chickpeas and apricots recipe, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Marrakech with every bite.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
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.
CHICKEN AND CHICKPEA TAGINE WITH APRICOTS AND HARISSA SAUCE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat canola oil in a large Dutch oven or a tagine over high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and place in the hot pan, skin side down, in batches if needed; cook until golden brown. Turn the thighs over and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the pan then add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ras al-hanut and cook another 30 seconds. Add the saffron with the soaking liquid, cinnamon stick, tomatoes, chickpeas, and apricots and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken into the mixture and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on the stovetop or in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Do not remove the lid to check on the chicken until this time. Garnish each serving with a dollop of Harissa Sauce, parsley and cilantro.
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl and let stand at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
CHICKPEA TAGINE WITH CHICKEN AND APRICOTS
Tagines, the slow-cooked, deeply aromatic stews of North Africa, are traditionally made and served in distinctive clay pots, often with lamb, and usually over couscous. This isn't a traditional version: It's fairly quick, and it relies on a heavy-bottomed saucepan rather than a tagine. With chicken thighs, bulgur, chickpeas and dried apricots, it comes together to produce an Americanized version that is a super one-pot dinner, fast enough for a weeknight despite the long ingredient list, and infinitely variable.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories dinner, easy, weekday, one pot, main course
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Put oil in a large, deep pot over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add chicken and brown well on both sides; remove from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes; add garlic, ginger, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, dried apricots and tomato. Cook and stir just long enough to loosen any brown bits from bottom of pan.
- Add chickpeas and 1 cup of stock or bean liquid to the pan and turn heat back to medium-high. When mixture reaches a gentle bubble, return chicken to the pan. Cover pot, turn heat to low and cook, checking occasionally to make sure the mixture is bubbling gently, for about 15 minutes or until tomatoes break down and flavors begin to meld. Stir in bulgur, adding more stock if necessary so that the mixture is covered with about an inch of liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook until the chicken and bulgur are both done, about 10 to 15 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasonings and serve in bowls garnished with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 536, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 49 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 47 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1117 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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.
CHICKEN TAGINE WITH APRICOTS AND ALMONDS
Steps:
- Stir together ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat well.
- Heat butter and 1 tablespoon oil in base of tagine (or in skillet), uncovered, over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then brown half of chicken, skin sides down, turning over once, 8 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Brown remaining chicken in same manner, adding any spice mixture left in bowl.
- Add onion and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt to tagine and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 3 minutes. Tie cilantro and parsley into a bundle with kitchen string and add to tagine along with 1/2 cup water, chicken, and any juices accumulated on plate. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 30 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, bring honey, remaining cup water, cinnamon stick, and apricots to a boil in a 1- to 2-quart heavy saucepan, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until apricots are very tender (add more water if necessary). Once apricots are tender, simmer until liquid is reduced to a glaze, 10 to 15 minutes.
- While apricots cook, heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in a small skillet over moderate heat and cook almonds, stirring occasionally, until just golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
- Ten minutes before chicken is done, add apricot mixture to tagine. Discard herbs and cinnamon stick, then serve chicken sprinkled with almonds on top.
MOROCCAN CHICKEN WITH CHICKPEAS AND APRICOTS
Make and share this Moroccan Chicken With Chickpeas and Apricots recipe from Food.com.
Provided by lik2fish
Categories Meat
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine spices in small bowl and set aside.
- Mince 1 strip lemon zest; combine with 1 teaspoon minced garlic and mince together until reduced to fine paste; set aside.
- Season both sides of chicken pieces liberally with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in large heavy--bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until beginning to smoke.
- Brown chicken pieces skin side down in single layer until deep golden, about 5 minutes; turn chicken pieces and brown on second side, about 4 minutes more.
- Transfer chicken to large plate; when cool enough to handle, peel off skin and discard.
- Pour off and discard all but 1 tablespoon fat from pot.
- Add onion and 2 remaining lemon zest strips to pot and cook, stirring 5 to 7 minutes
- Add remaining 4 teaspoons garlic and cook, stirring,about 30 seconds.
- Add spices and cook, stirring constantly,45 seconds to 1 minute.
- Stir in broth and honey, scraping bottom of pot with wooden spoon to loosen browned bits.
- Add thighs and drumsticks, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add carrots, apricots, and breast pieces to pot, arranging breast pieces in single layer on top of carrots.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes.
- Transfer chicken to plate or bowl and tent with foil.
- Add chickpeas to pot; increase heat to medium-high and simmer 4 to 6 minutes.
- Return chicken to pot and add garlic-zest mixture, cilantro, and lemon juice; stir to combine and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 857.2, Fat 46.4, SaturatedFat 12.5, Cholesterol 187.2, Sodium 544.8, Carbohydrate 58.2, Fiber 8.9, Sugar 24.6, Protein 53.6
MOROCCAN INSPIRED APRICOT-BRAISED CHICKEN
This is an easy, quick, and impressive dish with a sweet and aromatic flavors from the apricots and spices. Be sure to use unsulfured apricots! The color is darker and the flavor is more complex, really giving depth and life to the dish. Serve over couscous or quinoa and top it all off with some toasted pine nuts. Yum!
Provided by margot
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Thigh Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs on both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Set chicken aside, then stir in onion and garlic; cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the onion has softened. Stir in apricots and season with ginger, cumin, and allspice. Cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Pour beer into pan, scraping the bottom of the pan to dissolve the browned bits. Add chicken, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently until the chicken begins to fall away from the bone, about 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.5 calories, Carbohydrate 17.1 g, Cholesterol 68.7 mg, Fat 11.1 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 20.6 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 64 mg, Sugar 10.3 g
MOROCCAN ROAST CHICKEN WITH APRICOTS
Come rain or shine, serve up this sumac-marinated spatchcocked bird, that can be barbecued or oven cooked, with a sweet, fruity accompaniment
Provided by Sarah Cook
Categories Dinner, Main course
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Spatchcock the chickens - see tip, below, or ask your butcher to do it for you. Put the olive oil, coriander, sumac, cumin, fennel, chilli, garlic, lemon zest and juice, pomegranate molasses and some ground black pepper into a food processor or blender, and whizz to a paste. Divide between 2 large food bags, add a chicken to each, then squeeze out the air and seal before giving everything a good squelch to coat thoroughly. Marinate for 24-48 hrs in the fridge, turning and squishing every so often.
- Fire up a barbecue and let the flames die down, or heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Lift the chicken out of the bags and season well with salt. Barbecue or roast the chicken for 25-30 mins on each side until crisp and cooked through. Set aside on a platter, loosely cover with foil, to rest while you do the apricots. If you roasted rather than barbecued, keep the tin juices warm for serving.
- Put the apricots in a small, snug roasting tin. Whisk the preserved lemon, honey, orange blossom and vinegar with some seasoning. Pour over the apricots and roast, or sit on the barbecue, for 20 mins until soft.
- Serve the chicken with any cooking juices, the apricots and saffron yogurt.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 677 calories, Fat 41 grams fat, SaturatedFat 9 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 19 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 17 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 55 grams protein, Sodium 0.6 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready. This will help you save time and avoid scrambling later on.
- Use ripe apricots: Ripe apricots will add a natural sweetness and flavor to the dish. If you can't find fresh apricots, you can use dried apricots, but be sure to soak them in hot water for 15 minutes before using.
- Brown the chicken: Browning the chicken before adding it to the pot will help to develop its flavor. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat.
- Use a variety of spices: The spices in this recipe are what give it its unique flavor. Be sure to use a good quality garam masala and cumin. You can also add other spices to taste, such as paprika, turmeric, or ginger.
- Simmer the dish for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can simmer the dish for longer if you want the flavors to be even more pronounced.
- Serve with rice or couscous: This dish is traditionally served with rice or couscous. You can also serve it with naan bread or yogurt.
Conclusion:
This Moroccan chicken with chickpeas and apricots is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and flavorful, the chickpeas add a boost of protein and fiber, and the apricots add a touch of sweetness. The dish is also very versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
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