Chicken With Dates and Moroccan Spices

Submitted by Annacia

"Medjool dates work well in this braise, which should be served with enough couscous to soak up the delicious juices."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 50mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 6

ingredients

• 3 1⁄2 lbs chicken breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 lbs shallots, peeled
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (can use more if you like)
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
• 12 dates, pitted, halved
• 1⁄4 cup almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

directions

1. Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and flour. Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add half of chicken pieces to pot and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to baking sheet or platter; repeat with remaining chicken.
3. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot and discard. Reduce heat to medium. Add shallots to pot; saute until golden, about 6 minutes.
4. Add cinnamon sticks, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Increase heat to high; add broth and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until shallots begin to soften, about 18 minutes.
6. Place chicken pieces atop shallots in pot. Bring to boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until juices run clear when thickest part of drumstick is pierced with knife, about 25 minutes.
7. Transfer chicken and shallots to platter; tent with foil. Boil juices in pot until slightly thickened. Stir in dates and remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
8. Reduce heat and simmer gently until dates are heated through, about 2 minutes. Pour sauce and dates over chicken. Sprinkle with almonds and cilantro, serve.

Reviews

[Artandkitchen]

WOW, this is a wonderful keeper!<br/>An easy recipe to follow, with a creamy tasty sauce.<br/>I used frozen cilantro as at this time I don't have fresh in the garden.<br/>A highly recommended dish!

 

[Mia in Germany]

Yum! This is a great recipe, and easy to make, too. I used Vietnamese coriander for the cilantro which is quite similar in taste. Thanks for another keeper :)<br/>Made for ZWT 9 Family Picks for The Apron String Travelers

 

[CaliforniaJan]

The flavors in this dish are fantastic and make it one of my favorite from this ZWT! Pair it with a couscous and salad and you have an amazing meal.

 

[evelynathens]

Very fragrant and so delicious. Very easy to put together. The whole family enjoyed this.