MOROCCAN APRICOT CHICKEN

Moroccan Apricot Chicken image

Traditionally, this Moroccan chicken with apricots dish includes chili pepper paste, but I use chili sauce in my version. Serve it alone or with couscous for a heartier meal. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 2-1/4 pounds)
3/4 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup apricot preserves
1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered
4 teaspoons Moroccan seasoning (ras el hanout)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup orange juice
Chopped fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add almonds; cook and stir until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. In the same skillet, brown chicken on both sides. Remove from heat. Transfer chicken to a 4- or 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir chili sauce, preserves, apricots, Moroccan seasoning, vanilla and garlic powder into drippings. Pour over chicken., Cook, covered, on low until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 170°-175°, 4 to 4-1/2 hours. Stir in garbanzo beans and orange juice. Cook, covered, on low until heated through, 15-30 minutes longer. Serve with almonds. If desired, sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 482 calories, Fat 21g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 633mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (27g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 28g protein.