Chicken With Prunes And Honey
A rich Moroccan-inspired chicken dish with sweet prunes, honey, saffron, and aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal that impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Truss the chickens and place them in a thick-bottomed saucepan with the offal, salt, pepper, saffron, a stick of cinnamon, grated onions, and butter.
- Add two large glasses of water, cover, and cook over moderate heat, turning the chickens occasionally. Add more water if necessary.
- Cook until the flesh easily comes off the bones, then remove the chickens and set aside.
- Wash the prunes and add them to the saucepan with the remaining ingredients still on the heat.
- Fifteen minutes later, add the honey and cinnamon to the sauce.
- Boil the sauce down until it becomes syrupy.
- Check the seasoning, then return the chickens to the saucepan without crushing the prunes.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chickens overnight with spices and butter. If you can't find prunes, apricots or dates can be excellent substitutes. Adjust the level of honey based on your sweetness preference, and try adding some crushed garlic for an extra layer of flavor. For a quicker version, you could use a pressure cooker instead of a saucepan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken With Prunes And Honey alongside a bed of fluffy couscous or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well. Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. This dish also pairs beautifully with Puree Of Onion Soup With Thyme Leaves.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving as it may dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Prunes And Honey contains roughly 1248 calories, with 10g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1919mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of whole chickens?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They have more fat and flavor, and will still become tender when cooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take less time to cook through.
How can I make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the honey or omit it entirely. Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also help balance the flavors and reduce the overall sweetness of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making the dish even tastier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).