Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine
A fragrant Moroccan-inspired tagine combining tender turkey with golden apricots and warm spices for a comforting, aromatic meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs olive oil, medium onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey thigh, boneless and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or tagine over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed turkey thigh and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, then add 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots and 1 cup drained chickpeas. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 40 minutes until the turkey is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the golden sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine 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 Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine?
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 Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine 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 Spiced Turkey and Golden Apricot Tagine?
Mediterranean 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.