Bulgarian Chicken and Apricot Tagine
A fragrant and slightly sweet tagine featuring tender chicken pieces simmered with dried apricots, onions, garlic, and a blend of Bulgarian spices. This dish offers a delightful fusion of savory and sweet, reminiscent of traditional Bulgarian fruit and meat combinations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Ground coriander
- 1.5 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 400 ml Chicken broth
- 150 g Dried apricots, halved
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- a handful Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken in batches until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures a good sear. - 2
Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
💡 Tip: Caramelizing the onions adds a depth of sweetness to the dish. - 3
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Toasting the spices briefly awakens their aromas. - 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the chicken broth, cinnamon stick, and halved dried apricots. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid partially covers the chicken; add a little more broth if necessary. - 5
Cover the tagine or pot and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
💡 Tip: Low and slow cooking is essential for tender chicken. - 6
Stir in the honey and lemon juice. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
💡 Tip: Adjust honey and lemon juice to taste for the perfect sweet and tangy balance. - 7
Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot with couscous or rice.
💡 Tip: This tagine pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or steamed basmati rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili with the garlic.
- ✓If you don't have a tagine, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly.
- ✓Soaking the dried apricots in warm water for 15 minutes before adding can help them plump up more.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of blanched almonds or pistachios for added texture.
- Include other dried fruits like raisins or dates for more sweetness and complexity.
- A small amount of preserved lemon can add a unique briny and citrusy note.