Saffron-Infused Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-simmered chicken in a fragrant saffron and spice broth with sweet dried apricots and toasted almonds for a rich Moroccan-inspired dish. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, large, thinly sliced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brown chicken thighs on both sides for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 large thinly sliced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/4 tsp saffron threads, cooking for 1 minute until spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, pour in 2 cups chicken broth, and add 3/4 cup halved dried apricots. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 40 minutes until chicken is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving to add texture and brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron-Infused 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 Saffron-Infused 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 Saffron-Infused 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 Saffron-Infused Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Saffron-Infused 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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