Chicken Tagine With Apricots And Chickpeas Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas is an absolute showstopper. This classic Moroccan recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, plump dried apricots, and hearty chickpeas in a fragrant sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and ginger. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something extraordinary on a weeknight, this chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling souks of Marrakech. It’s comfort food at its finest — nourishing, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our chicken tagine with apricots and almonds for another delicious variation on this Moroccan classic.

Before You Begin

To achieve the most authentic flavor and presentation, this recipe is best prepared in a traditional tagine pot. The conical lid of a tagine creates a unique steam-circulation effect that keeps the chicken incredibly moist while allowing the spices to meld beautifully. If you don’t already own one, you can buy a Moroccan tagine pot from our shop. For smaller households, our contemporary Moroccan cooking tagine for two is a perfect choice. New to tagine cooking? Be sure to read our complete guide on how to use a tagine before getting started. You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the essential spices by checking out our tagine spice guide for Moroccan seasonings.

Ingredients

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup dried apricots, halved
• 1 large onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon saffron threads (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 preserved lemon, chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• ¼ cup toasted almonds for garnish

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Serves: 4–6 people

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 485 per serving
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Iron: 3.5mg
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Cooking Steps

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture generously over all sides of the chicken thighs. Let the chicken sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the spices to penetrate the meat. For a deeper understanding of what a tagine is and why it makes such a difference, explore our detailed article.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Place your tagine base on the stove over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear for about 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. If you’re looking for the perfect tagine to add to your kitchen, explore our full cooking tagines collection.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base

In the same tagine base with the remaining oil and chicken juices, add the diced onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. If using saffron threads, crumble them into the mixture and stir well to release their beautiful color and aroma.

Step 4: Add the Liquids and Sweetness

Pour in the chicken broth and honey, stirring to combine everything and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the tagine. These caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor to your chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the tagine, skin-side up. Scatter the drained chickpeas and halved dried apricots around and between the chicken pieces. If using preserved lemon, tuck the chopped pieces throughout the dish. The combination of sweet apricots, earthy chickpeas, and tangy preserved lemon creates the signature Moroccan flavor profile that makes this dish so special.

Step 6: Slow Cook in the Tagine

Place the conical tagine lid on top and reduce the heat to low. Allow the dish to cook slowly for 40–45 minutes. The magic of the tagine lid means the steam rises, condenses at the top of the cone, and drips back down to continuously baste the chicken. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — trust the process! Check once around the 30-minute mark to ensure there’s still enough liquid, and add a splash of broth if needed. If you’re cooking for a crowd, our eco Moroccan clay tagine set is ideal for larger gatherings.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After 40–45 minutes, the chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be slightly thickened, the apricots plump and tender, and the chickpeas infused with all the wonderful spices. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra drizzle of honey if you prefer a sweeter profile.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the tagine from the heat and sprinkle the fresh cilantro and parsley generously over the top. Add the toasted sesame seeds and almonds for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. Serve your chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas directly from the tagine pot at the table for a stunning presentation. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous, warm crusty bread, or steamed basmati rice. For more impressive Moroccan dishes to serve at your next gathering, check out our collection of tagine recipes to wow your guests.

There’s something truly magical about making chicken tagine with apricots and chickpeas at home — the way the spices fill your kitchen with warmth, the way the sweet and savory flavors come together in perfect harmony, and the joy of sharing such a beautiful dish with family and friends. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. If you’re wondering where to buy a Moroccan tagine, our shop has a wonderful selection including beautiful handcrafted white tagines and charming mini tagines that make perfect gifts for food lovers. You can even present individual servings in a handcrafted mini tagine or display spices in a gorgeous Safi triple mini tagine. For those who love collecting, our decorative tagines and mini decorative tagine add authentic Moroccan charm to any kitchen. So gather your ingredients, fire up your tagine, and enjoy every delicious bite of this unforgettable Moroccan masterpiece!