Apricot Chicken Tagine is a comforting, aromatic dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken thighs are slowly simmered with dried apricots, chickpeas, tomatoes, and warm spices, creating a rich and satisfying sauce. Inspired by traditional Moroccan tagines, this dish relies on gentle cooking to bring out deep, layered flavors without complicated techniques.
This apricot chicken tagine is ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend meals. Despite its complex taste, it comes together with simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it an excellent choice for home cooks looking to expand their recipe collection with something both nourishing and elegant.
Prep, Cook and Serving Information
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: approximately 1½ cups
Why Apricot Chicken Tagine Is So Popular
The appeal of apricot chicken tagine lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The chicken becomes incredibly tender during the slow simmer, while dried apricots soften and release their natural sweetness into the sauce. Chickpeas add heartiness and plant-based protein, and tomatoes provide acidity to balance the richness.
Warm spices such as cinnamon and allspice create depth without overpowering the dish. Unlike many spicy stews, apricot chicken tagine focuses on aromatic warmth rather than heat, making it approachable for a wide range of tastes.
½ cup light (reduced-fat) sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon hot sauce or hot chili oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (3 to 4 ounces each; about 1 pound total)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 can (15 ounces) low-sodium garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) no-added-salt diced tomatoes
¾ cup dried apricots, sliced or chopped
1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
Directions
Begin by preparing the cooling sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, chopped parsley, and hot sauce or chili oil. Place it in the refrigerator to chill while the tagine cooks.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the salt and black pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them evenly with the salt and pepper mixture.
Heat a tagine, Dutch oven, or large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides, about three to five minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about five to seven minutes. Stir in the garlic and ground allspice, cooking for one to two minutes until fragrant.
Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes with their juices, dried apricots, and the cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle, steady simmer.
Return the browned chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Cover with a lid and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 175°F. This will take approximately 33 to 35 minutes.
Serve the apricot chicken tagine warm, topping each portion with a generous spoonful of the chilled sour cream mixture.
Recipe Notes and Variations
This apricot chicken tagine works exceptionally well in a pressure cooker. Follow the browning steps using the sauté function, then seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally before serving.
The spice blend is flexible. If allspice is unavailable, substitutes such as ras el hanout, garam masala, or Chinese five-spice can be used. Each variation adds its own character while still complementing the apricots and chicken beautifully.
For a dairy-free option, the sour cream topping can be omitted or replaced with a plant-based alternative. Greek yogurt may also be used for a tangier finish.
Serving Suggestions
Apricot chicken tagine pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, quinoa, or bulgur, which soak up the flavorful sauce. Warm flatbread or pita is perfect for scooping, while a crisp green salad adds freshness and balance to the meal.
This dish stores well and often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 240
Total Fat: 11 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Sodium: 305 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 23 g
Background and Cooking Tips for Apricot Chicken Tagine
In North African cuisine, a tagine refers both to the slow-cooked stew and the distinctive cooking vessel traditionally used to prepare it. The classic tagine pot is made from clay and features a cone-shaped lid that allows steam to circulate and drip back into the dish, helping the chicken remain tender while intensifying the flavors of spices and fruit.
One of the defining characteristics of apricot chicken tagine is the balance between sweet and savory elements. Dried apricots add natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with aromatic spices such as cinnamon and allspice, while tomatoes and onions provide depth and balance. This combination is commonly highlighted in European interpretations of tagine dishes, where gentle sweetness and warming spices create a comforting yet refined meal.
A traditional tagine pot is not required to achieve excellent results. Many recipes successfully use a Dutch oven or large covered pot, relying on slow, covered cooking to produce the same tender texture and rich sauce. Browning the chicken before simmering is an important step, as it adds depth of flavor and helps develop a more complex final dish.
Apricot chicken tagine is typically served with simple sides such as couscous, rice, or bulgur, which absorb the fragrant sauce and complete the meal. This dish also benefits from resting time; when prepared in advance, the flavors continue to develop, often making leftovers even more delicious the following day.
FAQs
What is apricot chicken tagine?
Apricot chicken tagine is a Moroccan-inspired stew made with chicken, dried apricots, warm spices, tomatoes, and chickpeas. It is slow-cooked to develop deep, balanced flavors that combine savory and lightly sweet elements.
Can I make apricot chicken tagine without a tagine pot?
Yes, apricot chicken tagine can easily be made in a Dutch oven, large stockpot, or deep skillet with a lid. The most important factor is gentle, covered cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken thighs are preferred because they remain juicy during slow cooking, but chicken breasts can be used if cooked for a slightly shorter time to prevent drying out.
Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried apricots?
Dried apricots are recommended because they provide concentrated sweetness and texture. Fresh apricots contain more moisture and will change the balance of the dish.
Is apricot chicken tagine spicy?
Apricot chicken tagine is not traditionally spicy. It relies on warm spices rather than heat, though the sour cream topping can be adjusted with more or less hot sauce.
Can apricot chicken tagine be made ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is excellent for making ahead. The flavors continue to develop as it rests, making leftovers even more flavorful the next day.
Can apricot chicken tagine be frozen?
This dish freezes well for up to three months when stored in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with apricot chicken tagine?
Couscous, rice, quinoa, or flatbread are classic pairings. A simple salad or steamed vegetables complement the dish nicely.
What Is a Tagine?
A tagine is both a traditional North African stew and the distinctive clay cooking vessel used to prepare it. Originating from the Maghreb region, including Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, tagine dishes are known for slow, gentle cooking that allows meats, fruits, and spices to blend into rich, aromatic flavors. The classic tagine pot features a shallow base and a cone-shaped lid, which helps circulate steam and return moisture back into the dish, keeping the ingredients tender and flavorful.
You can learn more about the history and structure of a tagine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tagine
Why Apricot Chicken Tagine Belongs in Your Recipe Collection
Apricot chicken tagine is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create a dish that feels both comforting and refined. With its balance of tender chicken, sweet apricots, and aromatic spices, it offers depth without complexity.
Whether you are exploring Moroccan-inspired cooking for the first time or adding variety to your weekly meals, this apricot chicken tagine delivers flavor, nutrition, and versatility in every serving.
If you enjoy warm, aromatic dishes like this apricot chicken tagine, you may also like exploring other globally inspired recipes that combine bold spices with comforting flavors. You might enjoy this Lemon Ricotta Loaf with Berries: https://rooftopbakery.com/lemon-ricotta-loaf-with-berries/. While very different in style, it offers the same balance of richness and freshness, making it a lovely option for dessert or a lighter follow-up to a spiced main dish.
