Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe

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If you are craving a dish that bursts with exotic flavors and comforting warmth, the Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This North African-inspired stew combines tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a fragrant sauce enriched with sweet apricots, hearty chickpeas, and a vibrant mix of spices that dance on the palate. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, delicious hug—perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests with something a little different and truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe is simpler than it sounds because each ingredient plays a special role in creating layers of texture, flavor, and color. From the luscious apricots that add natural sweetness to the warm spices that bring depth and aroma, these essentials combine beautifully to make a dish you’ll want to revisit again and again.

• Dried apricots (1 cup, halved): Soaking them plumps them up for tender bursts of sweetness that balance the savory.
• Chicken thighs (6 pieces, bone-in skin-on): These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
• Salt (¾ tsp for seasoning, 1 tsp for cooking): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): For browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics, contributing a fruity richness.
• Onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a tender texture when cooked low and slow.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings that essential savory warmth and depth.
• Cinnamon stick (1): Imparts subtle sweetness and complexity, or use ½ tsp cinnamon powder as a substitute.
• Crushed tomatoes (400g can): Creates the rich, tangy tomato base for the sauce.
• Canned chickpeas (400g, drained): Adds hearty body and creaminess to the stew.
• Preserved lemon skin (1 tbsp, finely minced): Offers a burst of bright citrus tang that lifts the dish.
• Chicken stock (2½ cups, low-sodium): Builds the flavorful cooking liquid that melds all ingredients.
• Spices (cumin, ginger, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, clove powders): These create the signature warm and earthy Moroccan flavor profile.
• Couscous (to serve): The perfect fluffy bed to soak up the rich sauce.
• Fresh coriander (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
• Kalamata olives (optional, 1 cup): An optional briny twist replacing apricots for a savory variation.
• Slivered almonds (⅓ cup, lightly toasted): Provides a delightful nutty crunch as garnish.

How to Make Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Plump the Apricots

Begin by soaking the dried apricots in boiling water for about 30 minutes. This simple step rehydrates them, making sure they are beautifully tender and juicy—ready to bring their sweet magic into your tagine.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken thighs generously with salt on both sides. This step is essential as it boosts the natural flavors of the meat, setting the stage for the rich sauce to come.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or heavy pot over high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and let them cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes or until the skin is a deep golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Flip and cook for just one more minute on the flesh side, then transfer the chicken to a plate. This browning brings out incredible flavor and a lovely texture contrast in the finished dish.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Finally, sprinkle in your blend of spices and cook for 30 seconds to toast and release their aroma—this is where the tagine truly starts coming alive.

Step 5: Build the Tagine Sauce

Add the cinnamon stick, crushed tomatoes, drained chickpeas, plumped apricots, chicken stock, and preserved lemon to the pan. Stir to blend everything evenly, creating a rich, fragrant sauce. Nestle the browned chicken pieces on top, skin side up, so they slowly infuse their juices back into the sauce as they simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Covered

Bring the liquid gently to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid. Let everything cook for 5 minutes at a low, consistent simmer—be careful not to let the sauce boil too vigorously to prevent scorching. This short covered simmer helps tenderize the chicken and marry the flavors.

Step 7: Simmer Uncovered

Remove the lid and continue to cook for about 20 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and intensify while the chicken finishes cooking through. The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches at least 70°C (158°F), juicy and tender, soaking up all those wonderful spices and textures.

Step 8: Serve

Take the tagine off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve the heavenly chicken and sauce over a fluffy bed of couscous and sprinkle with fresh coriander for a vibrant, herby pop. Toasted slivered almonds add a fantastic contrasting crunch if you like that extra touch.

How to Serve Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

The best way to elevate this Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe is with garnishes that add texture and freshness. A handful of chopped fresh coriander lifts the earthy spices, while slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender chicken and silky sauce. For a bit of extra zing, drizzle a little olive oil or scatter some pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like burst of color and sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when served over a simple couscous, which soaks up all the rich, spiced sauce. You can also try it with fluffy rice or even warm, crusty bread to mop up every last bit. Lightly steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans make for fresh, crisp sides that balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken tagine family-style in a large, rustic tagine pot or a deep serving dish garnished with scattered herbs and nuts. Arrange the chicken pieces beautifully atop the sauce so each portion looks inviting and colorful. You could also pair individual servings with small bowls of olives and preserved lemon wedges on the side to excite the senses before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe keeps incredibly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, so leftovers often taste even better the next day—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the tagine in portions for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to bring it back to a lovely consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

While chicken breasts can work, thighs are preferred for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender after slow simmering. Breasts can dry out more easily but if you choose to use them, reduce the cooking time and monitor carefully.

What can I substitute for preserved lemon if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have preserved lemon, you can use a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of salt, or a splash of lemon juice added near the end of cooking to replicate the bright, tangy flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

This recipe is warmly spiced with aromatic spices but not spicy hot. If you want more heat, you can add chili flakes or fresh chili to taste during the sauté step.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower and use vegetable stock instead of chicken. The apricots and spices will still create a rich depth of flavor.

What is the best way to serve couscous with this tagine?

Fluff couscous with a fork before serving and toss with a bit of olive oil, chopped herbs, or toasted nuts for extra flavor. Serve it warm as a base so it soaks up all the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tagine with Apricots, Chickpeas, and Spiced Tomato Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve traveled somewhere special without leaving your kitchen. Its beautiful balance of sweet and savory, tender and crunchy, familiar and exotic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share the magic of this heartwarming meal with your loved ones. Once you do, it will surely become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.

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