A Taste of Morocco: Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine with Apricots and Chickpeas

If you're tired of the same old chicken dishes for dinner, why not try something new and exotic? This slow cooker chicken tagine is full of Moroccan flavors and will transport your tastebuds to the streets of Marrakech. The best part? It's a set it and forget it recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions:

• 1. In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat all sides.
• 2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker and top with the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped apricots, and drained chickpeas.
• 3. In the same small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and honey. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
• 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• 5. Once finished, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the chopped cilantro.
• 6. Serve the chicken tagine over couscous or rice, and garnish with extra cilantro if desired.

The combination of spices, apricots, and chickpeas in this dish creates a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. And the best part is that the slow cooker does all the work for you, meaning you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort. This chicken tagine is also great for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be easily packed for lunch at work or school.

For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and double the amount of chickpeas. You can also substitute the chicken with lamb or beef if you prefer. And if you want to add some extra veggies, feel free to toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers along with the onion.

So the next time you're in a dinner rut, give this slow cooker chicken tagine a try. It's a unique and flavorful dish that will elevate your weeknight dinner game. Happy cooking!