Libyan Spiced Chicken with Apricots and Almonds (Tajin Dajaj)
Discover the rich flavors of Libya with this Tajin Dajaj recipe, a perfect blend of tender chicken, sweet apricots, and crunchy almonds, all infused with aromatic spices.
Equipment
- Ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping board and knife
- Aluminium foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams)
- 1 cup dried apricots (5 oz or 140 grams)
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds (2.5 oz or 70 grams)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 8 oz or 225 grams)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups chicken broth (16 fl oz or 473 ml)
- 2 tbsp honey
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked couscous or rice, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Brown the chicken on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes to release the fragrances.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chicken broth and honey. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, add the dried apricots and almonds to the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
- Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve over cooked couscous or rice.
Notes
For a complete meal, pair this dish with a simple Mediterranean salad or steamed vegetables.
If you prefer, you can replace the chicken thighs with breast pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they cook faster.
To enhance the flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for a few hours before cooking.