Ingredients

12 bone-in , skin-on chicken thighs , trimmed of excess fat ( about 4 1/2 pounds )
salt & fresh ground pepper
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions , chopped fine
6 medium garlic cloves , minced or pressed through a garlic press
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 1/2 teaspoons hot paprika
8 ounces dried apricots , cut in half ( about 1 cup )
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 can chickpeas , drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 lemon , cut into wedges
Moroccan Spiced Chicken and Apricot Stew is a hearty and aromatic main dish that is perfect for fall and winter. This dish has a unique combination of sweet and savory flavors, captivated by North African spices and dried apricots. Traditionally served over rice or couscous, this one-pot meal is healthy and satisfying. The chicken in this recipe is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, and will keep your whole family coming back for more. Not for the faint of heart, this dish requires some time commitment, but in the end, it's worth the wait.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2.Season chicken with salt & pepper.
3.Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add chicken in batches, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown for about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
4.Add onions, garlic, and cinnamon stick to the Dutch oven and cook until onions are softened for about 5 minutes. Stir in cardamom, paprika, and apricots and cook for about 1 minute.
5.Return chicken to the Dutch oven, skin-side up, and add chicken broth and chickpeas. Bring to a simmer, cover, and transfer to the oven.
6.Bake for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7.Remove cinnamon stick and skim any excess fat from the surface. Mix flour and cilantro together and sprinkle into the stew, stirring well. Add lemon juice and lemon wedges, and serve over rice or couscous.

PROS

This dish is savory and mildly sweet, perfect for cooler weather.

The chicken is tender and falls off the bone.

The apricots give each bite of stew a pop of flavor.

CONS

This dish might be too sweet for those who don’t enjoy a sweet main course.

Some might find the cooking time too long.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Apricots are a great source of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight.
Chicken is high in protein, which is essential in building and repairing muscle tissue.
Chickpeas are also rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins.

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