Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds Recipe

Transport your taste buds to Morocco with this aromatic and tender chicken tagine. The combination of warm spices, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds creates a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. This North African classic is surprisingly simple to make and will fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Before You Begin

To make this authentic recipe, you’ll need a proper tagine pot. We recommend using a traditional Moroccan clay tagine (28-30cm), which creates the perfect slow-cooking environment for tender, flavorful results. If you’re new to tagine cooking, check out our complete guide on how to use a tagine before you start.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) chicken thighs and drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 200g (7 oz) dried apricots
• 100g (3.5 oz) blanched almonds
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 preserved lemon, quartered (or zest of 1 lemon)
• 500ml (2 cups) chicken stock
• Fresh cilantro and parsley for garnish

Spice Blend:

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (optional, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water)

Not sure which spices to use? Our tagine spice guide explains all the essential Moroccan seasonings.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Serves: 4-6 people

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

Mix all the spices together in a small bowl. This aromatic blend is the soul of your tagine, combining warm, earthy, and slightly sweet notes that define Moroccan cuisine.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Rub half of the spice blend all over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Almonds

In a dry skillet, toast the blanched almonds over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside for garnish.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces in batches, about 4 minutes per side, until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and fresh ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the remaining spice blend and cook for 1 minute.

Step 6: Build the Tagine

Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken stock, honey, saffron water (if using), and preserved lemon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Apricots

After 45 minutes, nestle the dried apricots into the sauce around the chicken. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes until the apricots are plump and tender, and the chicken is falling off the bone.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Check the seasoning and adjust with salt if needed. The sauce should be thick and glossy. Scatter the toasted almonds over the top and garnish generously with fresh cilantro and parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this magnificent tagine directly from the pot with:

• Fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice
• Warm flatbread for scooping up the sauce
• A simple cucumber and tomato salad
• Harissa on the side for those who like extra heat

Chef’s Tips

The key to an authentic tagine is low and slow cooking. The gentle simmer allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while the flavors meld together beautifully. If you don’t have a traditional tagine pot, a Dutch oven or any heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. Looking to invest in quality cookware? Explore our selection of authentic cooking tagines.

The combination of sweet apricots and savory spices is what makes this dish so special. Don’t skip the preserved lemon if you can find it—it adds an authentic Moroccan brightness that’s hard to replicate. You can find preserved lemons at Middle Eastern or specialty food stores, or make your own weeks in advance.

This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Want to impress your dinner guests? Check out our collection of tagine recipes that wow guests for more inspiration.