Armenian Chicken with Apricots and Walnuts
A fragrant and flavorful chicken dish featuring the sweet and tart combination of dried apricots, the crunch of walnuts, and aromatic spices, often simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken thighs(bone-in, skin-on, cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 150 g Dried apricots(halved)
- 100 g Walnuts(roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 400 ml Chicken broth
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensuring even seasoning for balanced flavor. - 2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. - 4
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, cinnamon, coriander, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the dried apricots and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid comes about halfway up the chicken pieces. - 6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: The sauce should thicken slightly. - 7
Stir in the chopped walnuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of white wine after sautéing the onions.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- ✓Ensure chicken is cooked through but not dry; adjust simmering time as needed.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness.
- Incorporate other dried fruits like prunes or raisins.
- Use a mix of chicken parts, like drumsticks and thighs.