Tajine d'Jaj bil Barqouq (Chicken Tagine with Apricots)
A fragrant and flavorful Algerian chicken tagine featuring tender chicken pieces slow-cooked in a spiced broth with sweet dried apricots, often garnished with toasted almonds or pine nuts. This dish balances savory spices with the natural sweetness of the fruit.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 whole Chicken(cut into 8 pieces (about 1.5 kg))
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 large Onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Ground ginger
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1 tsp Sweet paprika
- 0.25 tsp Saffron threads(crushed and steeped in 2 tbsp warm water (optional))
- 1 whole Cinnamon stick
- 1.5 cups Chicken stock or water
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 1 cup Dried apricots(halved)
- 2 tbsp Honey or orange blossom preserves
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Toasted almonds or pine nuts(for garnish (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a tagine or large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden.
- 3
Add the minced garlic, ground ginger, turmeric, and paprika. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the steeped saffron (if using), cinnamon stick, chicken stock (or water), and the remaining salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid comes about halfway up the chicken pieces. - 5
Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- 6
Add the halved dried apricots and honey (or preserves) to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
💡 Tip: The apricots will plump up and release their sweetness into the sauce. - 7
Cover again and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 8
Remove the cinnamon stick. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley and toasted almonds or pine nuts, if desired.
💡 Tip: Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken with spices for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.
- ✓Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/preserves.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of dates or raisins along with the apricots.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a subtle heat.
- Use preserved lemon for a more complex citrus note.