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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.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Moroccan / North African (with a fusion twist)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
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.