Braised Chicken with Dates and Moroccan Spices

Ingredients for Braised Chicken with Dates and Moroccan Spices

• 1.6kg chicken breast halves, thighs, and drumsticks

• 1 tablespoon plain flour

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 900g shallots (about 11 large), peeled

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoons turmeric

• 1/8 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 725ml low-salt chicken broth

• 80ml fresh lemon juice, divided

• 12 dates, pitted, halved

• 35g almonds, toasted, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and flour. Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add half of chicken pieces to pot and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to baking sheet or platter; repeat with remaining chicken. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot and discard. Reduce heat to medium. Add shallots to pot; sauté until golden, about 6 minutes. Add cinnamon sticks, ginger, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Increase heat to high; add broth and 45ml lemon juice. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until shallots begin to soften, about 18 minutes. 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.

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. Reduce heat and simmer gently until dates are heated through, about 2 minutes. Pour sauce and dates over chicken. Sprinkle with almonds and coriander, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.