Moroccan Spiced Apple & Ginger Chicken Tagine
This dish is fragrant, warm, and sweet-savory, with layers of spiced ginger, cinnamon, tender apples, and a rich base of Moroccan flavors. The apples soften and melt into the sauce, while the ginger adds a zesty heat that lingers beautifully.
Servings 4
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless chicken thighs
- 2 tart apples e.g., Granny Smith, peeled & sliced
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger grated
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried apricots chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh mint or cilantro for garnish
- Optional: chopped almonds or pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Optional Marination (for deeper flavor): Mix chicken with half the spices, grated ginger, garlic, and olive oil. Marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a tagine or deep skillet. Brown chicken on both sides, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, cook onions until soft. Add remaining spices and stir to bloom them.
- Add Fruit & Flavorings: Add apple slices, chopped apricots, honey, and lemon juice. Stir and let cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Simmer: Return chicken to the pan. Add stock, cover, and simmer gently for 40–45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Finish & Serve: Adjust seasoning. Garnish with mint, chopped nuts, or both. Serve hot.
- 🍚 Suggested Accompaniments:
- Steamed couscous, saffron rice, or millet
- Warm Moroccan khobz, pita, or naan
- Chilled cucumber yogurt salad with mint
Notes
Chef’s Tip:
Want to go vegetarian? Swap chicken with chickpeas and cubes of roasted eggplant. You can also replace apricots with dates or golden raisins for a different sweetness.
Want to go vegetarian? Swap chicken with chickpeas and cubes of roasted eggplant. You can also replace apricots with dates or golden raisins for a different sweetness.
