Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine: A Flavorful & Effortless Recipe

Apricot chicken tagine is a North African-inspired dish known for its sweet and savory flavors, tender chicken, and fragrant spices. Traditionally cooked in a tagine (a special earthenware pot with a conical lid), it can be a slow and laborious process. But with the magic of the Instant Pot, you can achieve the same incredible flavors in a fraction of the time. This recipe for Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine is not only quick and easy but also delivers a deeply satisfying and complex flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine

* **Effortless Cooking:** The Instant Pot does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time.
* **Intense Flavors:** The pressure cooking intensifies the flavors of the spices, apricots, and chicken, creating a truly memorable dish.
* **Tender Chicken:** The Instant Pot cooks the chicken to perfection, making it incredibly tender and juicy.
* **One-Pot Meal:** This recipe can be a complete meal with the addition of couscous or rice.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice level, and ingredients to your liking.
* **Impressive & Easy:** It’s a perfect dish to serve for guests – looks and tastes fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine:

* **Chicken:** About 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred, but thighs are more flavorful and stay more moist). Cut into 1-inch pieces.
* **Onion:** 1 large yellow onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated.
* **Spices:** 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat), ½ teaspoon paprika.
* **Apricots:** 1 cup dried apricots, roughly chopped. Use unsulfured apricots for a more natural flavor.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 1-2 tablespoons, to taste (adjust based on the sweetness of your apricots).
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh cilantro or parsley, toasted almonds, sesame seeds.
* **Serving Suggestion:** Cooked couscous, rice, or quinoa.

Equipment

* Instant Pot (6-quart or larger).
* Cutting board.
* Knife.
* Measuring cups and spoons.
* Wooden spoon or spatula.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces.
* Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
* Grate the fresh ginger.
* Roughly chop the dried apricots.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function.
* Add olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

**3. Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):**

* Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the tagine. Don’t overcrowd the pot; you may need to brown the chicken in batches.
* If browning in batches, remove the browned chicken and set aside.

**4. Add the Spices:**

* Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, cinnamon, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

**5. Deglaze the Pot:**

* Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents the “Burn” error.

**6. Add the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Add the chopped apricots, honey or maple syrup (to taste), and lemon juice to the pot.
* Return the browned chicken (if you browned it) to the pot. If you didn’t brown the chicken, just add the raw chicken now.
* Stir everything together to ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid.

**7. Pressure Cook:**

* Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.”
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 8 minutes for chicken thighs (or 6 minutes for chicken breasts). If you prefer very tender chicken, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes.

**8. Natural Pressure Release (Recommended):**

* Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
* After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!

**9. Shred the Chicken (Optional):**

* If desired, use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces directly in the Instant Pot. This is particularly nice if you’re serving the tagine over couscous or rice.

**10. Adjust Seasoning and Consistency:**

* Taste the tagine and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
* If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it on the “Sauté” function for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to burn the bottom.

**11. Serve:**

* Serve the Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine hot over cooked couscous, rice, or quinoa.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, toasted almonds, and/or sesame seeds, if desired.

Tips and Variations

* **Chicken Breasts vs. Chicken Thighs:** While you can use chicken breasts in this recipe, chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and remain more tender during pressure cooking. If using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 6 minutes to prevent them from drying out.
* **Sweetness Level:** Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on the sweetness of your apricots and your personal preference. Some apricots are naturally sweeter than others. You can also use date syrup as a natural sweetener.
* **Spice Level:** If you prefer a spicier tagine, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Dried Fruit:** You can substitute other dried fruits for the apricots, such as raisins, dates, or figs. Each will add a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Nuts:** Toasted almonds are a classic addition to tagine. You can also use other nuts like pistachios or walnuts.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add vegetables to the tagine, such as carrots, potatoes, or zucchini. Add them along with the apricots and chicken broth.
* **Olives:** For a more authentic Moroccan flavor, add ½ cup of pitted green or Kalamata olives to the tagine during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Preserved Lemon:** A small amount of preserved lemon rind can add a unique and tangy flavor to the tagine. Add about 1 tablespoon of chopped preserved lemon rind along with the apricots and chicken broth. Be sure to rinse the lemon rind well before using.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Substitute the chicken with chickpeas and add some extra vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add Saffron:** For an extra touch of luxury and flavor, add a pinch of saffron threads to the chicken broth before pressure cooking. Saffron adds a beautiful color and aroma to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

* **Couscous:** The most traditional accompaniment to tagine is couscous. Fluff the couscous with a fork before serving.
* **Rice:** Rice is another great option for soaking up the delicious sauce. Basmati rice or jasmine rice are good choices.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve the tagine over quinoa.
* **Warm Pita Bread:** Serve with warm pita bread for dipping into the sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Yogurt Sauce:** A dollop of plain yogurt or a yogurt sauce with chopped cucumbers and mint can provide a cooling contrast to the warm spices.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the tagine a day or two in advance. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Leftover tagine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the tagine in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover tagine for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size).
* Protein: 30-40 grams.
* Fat: 15-25 grams.
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams.
* Fiber: 5-7 grams.

_Note: This is an approximate nutritional breakdown and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used._

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Apricot Chicken Tagine recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s a flavorful, healthy, and incredibly easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of Moroccan cuisine. The Instant Pot makes it possible to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones! Enjoy!

FAQ

**Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Increase the cooking time to 10-12 minutes for bone-in chicken thighs and 12-15 minutes for drumsticks.

**Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?**
A: You can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

**Q: My Instant Pot keeps giving me the “Burn” error. What am I doing wrong?**
A: Make sure to deglaze the pot thoroughly after browning the chicken or sautéing the aromatics. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pot with the chicken broth. Also, make sure there is enough liquid in the pot. If the “Burn” error persists, try adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste, which can help prevent burning.

**Q: Can I add other spices?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger, allspice, or a pinch of saffron.

**Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?**
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes! The flavors actually develop more as it sits, making it a great make-ahead dish.