Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken thighs with a teaspoon of salt, coriander, cumin, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to marinate as you prepare the remaining components.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, carrot slices, chopped dates or prunes, lemon zest, optional ginger, cinnamon stick, cayenne, and an additional teaspoon of salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the vegetables and fruit with the spices.
- Heat olive oil in a 5- to 7-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded, and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a plate and repeat with the remaining pieces, adding oil as needed.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced leeks to the Dutch oven along with a pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and lightly golden, approximately 5–7 minutes, adding more oil if necessary.
- Begin layering the dish by placing half of the seared chicken atop the leeks. Spread half of the sweet potato mixture evenly over the chicken. Repeat the process with the remaining chicken and vegetable mixture. Pour the orange juice over the assembled ingredients.
- Cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Let the dish braise for 55–70 minutes, stirring gently midway through the cooking process, until the chicken and vegetables are tender and infused with the aromatic sauce.
- Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh cilantro or dill before serving.
Notes
Tip: To avoid overcooking, consider the use of chicken breasts impractical due to the prolonged braising time required for root vegetables.