Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots Recipe

This exotic dish, Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins, brings a taste of Moroccan-inspired cuisine straight to your kitchen. The tantalizing combination of apricots and raisins adds a delightful sweetness, contrasting beautifully with the earthy spices and robust chicken, making this dish a true feast for the senses.

Photos of Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are pretty common and easily available, you might want to pay special attention to allspice and red pepper flakes. Allspice, a unique spice reminiscent of a mix between nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper, is a key part of this dish and could require a special trip to the supermarket if it's not already in your pantry. The red pepper flakes add a spicy kick, so adjust the quantity according to your heat preference.

Ingredients for Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

cooking oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the onions.

chicken thighs and drumsticks: The star of the dish, offering a hearty and robust base.

salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.

onion: Adds a savory depth to the dish.

garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic undertone.

low sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful simmering liquid for the chicken.

allspice: A unique spice that adds warmth and depth of flavor.

red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

apricots: Adds a sweet, fruity dimension to contrast the savory elements.

dark or golden raisins: Brings sweetness and texture.

fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal finishing touch.

One reader, Caressa Hume says:

The spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins recipe is a delightful blend of flavors. The tender chicken, sweet apricots, and plump raisins create a perfect harmony. The spices add a lovely kick, making it a truly satisfying dish. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a unique and delicious meal.

Caressa Hume

Cooking Techniques for Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

How to brown the chicken: Heat the oil in a large, deep frying pan over moderately high heat. Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with salt and pepper, then cook until browned, turning, about 8 minutes in total.

How to simmer the chicken: After adding the broth, spices, apricots, and raisins, bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat and simmer the chicken, partially covered, until just done, about 20 minutes.

How To Make Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

Sink your teeth into these juicy and hot spiced chicken legs, served alongside tart apricots and sweet raisins, for a medley of bright and bold flavors!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 23 minutes

Total: 33 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspcooking oil
4chicken thighs
4chicken drumsticks
1¾tspsalt
½tspfresh ground black pepper
1onion
3garlic cloves
1¼canschicken broth,low sodium
¼tspallspice
¼tspred pepper flakes
cupdried apricots
¼cupdark raisins,or golden
¼cupfresh parsley,chopped

Instructions

In a large, deep frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Season the chicken thighs and drumsticks with 14 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes in all, turning, until browned. Remove.
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat from the pan. Reduce the heat to moderately low.
Add the onion and garlic to the pan; cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes, until the onion starts to soften.
Add the broth, the remaining 1½ teaspoons salt and 14 teaspoon black pepper, the allspice and the red-pepper flakes. Add the chicken, apricots, and raisins.
Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and simmer the chicken, partially covered, for about 20 minutes, until just done.
Serve topped with the parsley, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 756.97kcal
Fat: 51.74g
Saturated Fat: 12.57g
Trans Fat: 0.25g
Monounsaturated Fat: 22.82g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.31g
Carbohydrates: 12.70g
Fiber: 1.17g
Sugar: 7.39g
Protein: 57.79g
Cholesterol: 314.42mg
Sodium: 1222.60mg
Calcium: 53.60mg
Potassium: 850.95mg
Iron: 2.92mg
Vitamin A: 79.57µg
Vitamin C: 8.27mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

When browning chicken, it's important to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than brown, which can affect the overall flavor of the dish. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to cook properly. Additionally, using a heavy-bottomed pan can help distribute heat evenly, preventing hot spots and ensuring a nice, even browning.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Spiced Chicken Dish

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a slow cooker: Consider using a slow cooker to cook the spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins. This will allow you to set it and forget it, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

One-pot meal: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the dish and freeze the extra portions for future quick and convenient meals.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and cooking tools in an organized manner before starting to cook to avoid last-minute confusion and save time.

Efficient multitasking: Plan and execute tasks in a way that allows you to multitask efficiently, such as chopping vegetables while the chicken is browning.

Substitute Ingredients For Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins Recipe

cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and adds a rich flavor to the dish.
chicken thighs - Substitute with turkey thighs: Turkey thighs have a similar texture and flavor to chicken thighs and can be used as a substitute.
chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken drumsticks and provide a similar taste and texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt and adds a slightly different flavor profile.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can add a similar level of spiciness and flavor to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used as a substitute for onions in this recipe.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic and provides a similar flavor.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth and adds a different depth of flavor.
allspice - Substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg: A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can mimic the flavor of allspice in this recipe.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a similar level of spiciness and flavor to the dish.
apricots - Substitute with peaches: Peaches can be used as a substitute for apricots and provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
dark or golden raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute for raisins and add a slightly different tartness to the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley and adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Presenting Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

Elevate the plating: Arrange the spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few fresh parsley leaves over the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted almond slivers, to provide a delightful contrast to the tender chicken and soft apricots.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation.
Highlight vibrant colors: Ensure the apricots and raisins are showcased prominently, adding a burst of vibrant colors to the dish for an eye-catching presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, aiming for a balanced and symmetrical layout to captivate the eye.
Consider the plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish and consider the shape to enhance the overall visual appeal.
Add a touch of elegance with a drizzle: Consider adding a delicate drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze or a light yogurt sauce to add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and high-quality serving ware to elevate the overall dining experience and showcase the dish in a sophisticated manner.
Incorporate edible flowers: Consider adding a few edible flowers, such as nasturtium or pansies, to the presentation for a touch of elegance and a subtle floral note.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Spiced Chicken Recipe

Large, deep frying pan: This is used for cooking the chicken and creating the flavorful sauce for the dish.
Tongs: Tongs are essential for turning the chicken pieces while they are being browned and cooked.
Knife: A knife is needed for chopping the onion and garlic.
Cutting board: This is used as a surface for chopping the onion and garlic.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, allspice, and red pepper flakes.
Can opener: This is needed to open the cans of low-sodium chicken broth.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stirring the ingredients.
Lid or cover: A lid or cover is used to partially cover the pan while simmering the chicken.
Serving platter: A serving platter is needed for presenting the finished dish.
Cooking spoon: A cooking spoon is used for stirring and serving the chicken and sauce.
Chopping knife: A chopping knife is used for cutting the apricots and parsley.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to measure the apricots and raisins.
Wine glasses: Wine glasses are needed for serving the recommended wine with the dish.

Storing and Freezing Spiced Chicken Legs for Later

Let the spiced chicken legs cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container with the date and contents for easy identification.
The spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat the thawed chicken and sauce in a covered pot over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place the thawed chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until warmed through, stirring between each interval.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving the reheated spiced chicken legs for a burst of fresh flavor and color.

How To Reheat Leftover Spiced Chicken Legs

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken legs in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken legs on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become rubbery.
If you want to reheat the chicken and the apricots and raisins together, place them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to help steam the chicken and prevent it from drying out. Cover the skillet and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the apricots and raisins are warm.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the chicken legs in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken legs in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
If you have leftover sauce from the original dish, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Once the chicken is heated through, drizzle the warm sauce over the top for added flavor and moisture.

Interesting Trivia About Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

The recipe is inspired by Moroccan cuisine, known for its rich and diverse flavors. The combination of savory spices, sweet apricots, and raisins creates a unique and delightful taste experience. This dish is a perfect example of the sweet and savory flavor profile that is characteristic of Moroccan cooking.

Is Making Spiced Chicken Legs at Home Cost-Effective?

This spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken, apricots, and raisins makes it budget-friendly. The dish offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the availability and pricing of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is This Spiced Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins recipe is a flavorful dish that incorporates some healthy ingredients, such as chicken, onion, garlic, and fresh parsley. However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make it a more well-rounded and nutritious meal:

The recipe calls for chicken thighs and drumsticks, which are higher in fat compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast. While some fat is essential for flavor and satiety, excessive amounts can contribute to health issues.
The use of cooking oil for frying adds extra fat and calories to the dish. The type of oil used is not specified, but it's important to choose a heart-healthy option like olive oil or avocado oil.
The recipe includes dried fruits (apricots and raisins), which are natural sources of sugar. While they provide some nutrients, it's important to consume them in moderation.

To enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks to reduce the overall fat content. Alternatively, you could use chicken breast for an even leaner option.
Instead of frying the chicken, try baking or grilling it to minimize the amount of added oil. This will help reduce the calorie count without compromising flavor.
Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish to boost its nutrient density. Consider adding carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to the pan when sautéing the onion and garlic.
Serve the chicken with a side of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to provide a source of complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.
To balance out the sweetness from the dried fruits, incorporate a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest before serving. This will add a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

Editor's Opinion on Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins

The spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins recipe is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors. The combination of allspice, red pepper flakes, apricots, and raisins creates a Moroccan-inspired dish that is both comforting and exotic. The use of chicken thighs and drumsticks ensures a juicy and flavorful result. The suggested pairing with couscous is a perfect match, and the wine recommendation complements the dish beautifully. Overall, this recipe offers a well-balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Enhance Your Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce from the spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins

Honey Glazed Carrots and Parsnips: Sweet and savory glazed carrots and parsnips, adding a pop of color and sweetness to complement the savory and spicy flavors of the chicken dish

Quinoa and Vegetable Pilaf: Nutty and wholesome quinoa pilaf with a mix of colorful vegetables, providing a light and healthy side to balance out the richness of the spiced chicken legs with apricots and raisins

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoy This Spiced Chicken Dish

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Citrus Glazed Salmon: This zesty and flavorful salmon dish is a refreshing and light option for a healthy dinner. The tangy citrus glaze adds a burst of flavor to the tender and flaky fish.

Mango Coconut Rice Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical dessert that combines the sweetness of mango with the richness of coconut. It's a delightful way to end any meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for This Spiced Chicken Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and crispy on the outside, but tender and juicy on the inside.

Bruschetta with a Twist: Put a unique spin on the classic bruschetta by topping crispy baguette slices with a combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. This refreshing and vibrant appetizer is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Apple Pie: Enjoy a classic apple pie, with a flaky, buttery crust and a warm, cinnamon-spiced filling. Serve it a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and delicious dessert.

Why trust this Spiced Chicken Legs with Apricots and Raisins Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, creating a harmonious balance that will surely tantalize your taste buds. The succulent chicken thighs and drumsticks are seasoned to perfection, while the addition of apricots and raisins infuses a delightful sweetness. The aromatic blend of allspice and red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth to the dish. With the guidance of this recipe, you can trust that your culinary journey will be a rewarding and flavorful experience.

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FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for apricots and raisins?

You can substitute dried figs, prunes, or dates for the apricots and raisins. These fruits will add a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or drumsticks for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken will cook faster than bone-in chicken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs and drumsticks?

You can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that it may cook faster than thighs and drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken breast is cooked through but still moist.

Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

While you can use water as a substitute for chicken broth, using chicken broth will enhance the flavor of the dish. If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth as an alternative.