Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant slow-cooked chicken tagine featuring dried apricots and toasted almonds, inspired by the natural luxury of Hatta’s mountain resorts. This Middle Eastern-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then brown them in batches for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot, sautéing for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, pour in 2 cups chicken broth, and add 1 cup halved dried apricots. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving with couscous or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mountain Retreat Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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