This Chicken Tagine with Sweet Potatoes and Apples is a heartwarming and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Inspired by traditional Moroccan flavors, this tagine combines tender chicken thighs with the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and apples. The blend of warm spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin creates a truly unforgettable aroma and taste, transporting you to a faraway land with just one bite. I often make this recipe when I’m in need of a little comfort and warmth. It's been a lifesaver for me so many times!

One time I made this for a friend who was going through a rough patch, and the warm, comforting flavors seemed to cheer her up. Food has this amazing ability to connect people and lift their spirits, doesn’t it? That’s part of what makes this dish so special to me.

Chicken Tagine with Sweet Potatoes and Apples

Name: Chicken-Tagine-with-Sweet-Potatoes-and-Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: African
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken thighs; 1 large Sweet potatoes; 1 medium Apples; 1 medium Onion; 2 cloves Garlic; 1 tbsp, grated Fresh ginger; 1 tsp Ground turmeric; 1 tsp Ground cumin; 1 tsp Ground coriander; 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon; a pinch Saffron threads (optional); 1 1/2 cups Chicken broth; 2 tbsp Olive oil; to taste Salt and pepper; for garnish Fresh cilantro or toasted almonds

This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, blending tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and apples in a fragrant blend of warm Moroccan spices.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

📖 Instructions

First, prep your ingredients. Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Core and slice the apples into similar-sized wedges. Roughly chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Make sure your chicken is patted dry. This is super important for browning!
Next, let's get that chicken nice and browned! Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil in your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and slightly crispy. If you have to do this in batches, totally fine! Just don't overcrowd the pot.
Now, it's time to build those amazing flavors. Add the onion to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until softened. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Stir in the spices! Add the ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and a pinch of saffron (if using). Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This is when your kitchen is going to smell absolutely divine!
Pour in the chicken broth, and add the sweet potatoes and apples. Give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it all braise gently for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes and apples are tender. Depending on how tender your sweet potatoes are to begin with, you may need more or less time.
Once the sweet potatoes and apples are nice and tender, taste and adjust the seasonings. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. It's all about finding that perfect balance for you, right?
Once it's perfectly seasoned and the vegetables are tender, you're almost done! Give it a final stir, and then sprinkle with fresh cilantro or chopped almonds if desired before serving. If you're feeling adventurous, add a dollop of plain yogurt! Just my opinion, but I love it.
Serve hot over couscous, quinoa, or rice. Enjoy every delicious bite!

📝 Notes

If your saffron threads are a bit tough, steep them in a tablespoon of hot water for 10 minutes before adding them to the tagine. This helps release their color and flavor better. Also, if you have the time, you can marinate the chicken in some of the spices for a few hours before cooking for extra flavor