Tzimmes Chicken Recipe

When it comes to traditional Jewish holiday meals, a dish like Tzimmes Chicken is hard to beat. Whether you’re celebrating Passover, Rosh Hashanah, or just looking for a wholesome, comforting meal, this twist on the classic chicken tzimmes recipe combines sweet and savory flavors in the most delightful way.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken paired with a medley of apricots, prunes and dates, slow-cooked in a rich, tangy sauce. This is tzimmes with chicken at its finest—a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table and a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.

What is Tzimmes Chicken?

Tzimmes is a traditional Jewish stew, typically made with sweet root vegetables and dried fruit. (This take on the classic recipe includes just the fruit, but you can easily add root veggies or serve them as a side dish if you’d like!) Adding chicken to this classic dish creates a delicious main course that’s rich in flavor and packed with nutrition.

This tzimmes chicken with apricots and prunes combines savory chicken with the sweetness of dried fruits, all tied together with a tangy Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar glaze. The combination of flavors results in a dish that’s both comforting and complex, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying with family on a quiet evening.

How to Make Tzimmes Chicken

This recipe is simple to prepare but full of flavor, making it ideal for holiday meals like Passover or Rosh Hashanah. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bring this delicious dish to life:

1. Preheat and Roast the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken pieces (breast, legs, thighs—your choice) with olive oil and black pepper. Roast the chicken in a hot oven at 450 degrees for about 10 minutes. This helps to crisp the skin and lock in the moisture before adding the flavorful ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sauce and Add Fruit: While the chicken is roasting, whisk together Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil and fresh rosemary. This mixture will provide a tangy, slightly sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with the dried fruit. Once the chicken has roasted, add garlic, sliced onions, dried prunes, chopped dates and fresh apricots. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth to keep the chicken tender and moist during cooking.
3. Finish Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and roast the chicken for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, basting the chicken two to three times to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully. The result? A juicy, flavorful chicken infused with the sweet, earthy notes of the fruits and the tangy balsamic glaze.
4. Let it Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Tzimmes Chicken

Tzimmes chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a traditional Rosh Hashanah or Passover meal, you might want to serve it alongside roasted root vegetables, since this recipe just has the dried fruit. This would complement the sweetness of the dried fruit. Try our recipe for orange ginger roasted carrots!

A side of matzo or challah bread can also soak up the delicious sauce, adding to the richness of the meal.

Green beans and mashed potatoes (or mashed sweet potatoes!) are a great pairing that add a boost of nutrition. For a lighter accompaniment, consider a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or quinoa for added protein and fiber.

The balance of sweet and savory flavors in this tzimmes chicken recipe makes it versatile enough to pair with many sides, depending on the occasion and your preferences.

Customizing Your Chicken Tzimmes Recipe

One of the great things about this tzimmes with chicken recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes or even butternut squash. These vegetables will soak up the flavors of the balsamic and fruit mixture just as well as the chicken.
• Different Fruit Combinations: While this recipe calls for apricots, prunes and dates, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, figs or dried cherries. Each brings its own unique sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Herb Substitutes: Fresh rosemary is a classic choice, but you could also try thyme, sage or parsley for a different flavor profile. Herbs like thyme or sage can add earthiness that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Health Benefits of Tzimmes Chicken

This dish not only delivers on flavor but also offers a variety of health benefits. Here’s why tzimmes chicken should make a regular appearance on your table:

• Lean Protein from Chicken: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, especially if you use chicken breast. It’s lower in fat and calories compared to other meats, making this dish a nutritious option that won’t weigh you down, even after a holiday feast.
• Dried Fruits for Fiber and Antioxidants: The prunes, dates and apricots in this recipe are rich in fiber, which promotes digestive health. They also provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like potassium and iron, supporting heart health and overall wellness.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Garlic and Onions for Immune Support: Garlic and onions are not just flavor powerhouses; they also contain compounds that boost the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Perfect for Passover and Rosh Hashanah

This tzimmes chicken with apricots and prunes is a fantastic choice for holiday gatherings like Passover and Rosh Hashanah. With its simple preparation, nutrient-rich ingredients and the ability to customize it to your liking, this chicken tzimmes recipe is sure to become a favorite at your family’s holiday table.