“Moroccan Lunch: Gluten-Free Spiced Chicken Tagine with Apricots & Quinoa”
This gluten-free Moroccan Spiced Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Quinoa is a flavorful and aromatic lunch option. With its rich blend of spices, tender chicken, and juicy apricots, this dish brings the flavors of Morocco to your table in an easy-to-prepare recipe that's perfect for those on a gluten-free diet.
Allergens
N/A
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup gluten
- free quinoa
- 2 cups water or low
- sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) dried apricots, halved
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in ground cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, and cinnamon. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to toast and become fragrant.
- Add chicken thighs to the pot, turning them to coat in the spice mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the water or low sodium chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in halved apricots, cover, and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- While the tagine cooks, prepare quinoa according to package instructions.
- Once the tagine is ready, remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the tagine over cooked quinoa, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh parsley.
Chef’s Insight
The spices used in this dish are key to creating an authentic Moroccan flavor profile. Be sure to toast them before adding to the sauce to bring out their aromatic qualities.
Notes
To enhance the aroma of this dish, add a pinch of saffron to the simmering sauce. For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle the finished plate with a bit of honey before serving.