Moroccan Chicken Tagine Pockets

Name: Moroccan Chicken Tagine Pockets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 14 appetizers.
Ingredients: 1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup chunky salsa; 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, divided; 1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped and divided; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon Moroccan seasoning (ras el hanout); 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1-1/4 cups shredded carrots; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds; 7 miniature pita pockets, halved; Minced fresh cilantro, optional

I enjoy shredded chicken dishes, Moroccan seasonings and pita sandwiches. The addition of the carrot salad laced with dates and pomegranate seeds adds an extra punch and crunch. Mini flour tortillas can be substituted for pitas. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 cup chunky salsa
1/2 cup pomegranate juice, divided
1/2 cup pitted dates, chopped and divided
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Moroccan seasoning (ras el hanout)
1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/4 cups shredded carrots
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
7 miniature pita pockets, halved
Minced fresh cilantro, optional

Directions

Place chicken in a greased 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker. Combine the salsa, 6 tablespoons pomegranate juice, 1/3 cup dates, honey, Moroccan seasoning and garlic powder; pour over chicken. Cook, covered, on low, until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours.
Meanwhile, combine the carrots, mayonnaise, pomegranate seeds and remaining dates. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.
Remove chicken from slow cooker; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. Shred chicken with two forks. Return chicken and juices to slow cooker. Stir in remaining pomegranate juice; heat through. Serve in pitas with carrot slaw and, if desired, cilantro.

Test Kitchen tips

You'll love the sweet-savory flavor of this make-ahead appetizer.

For a lower carb option, serve in lettuce cups.

Health tip: Using skinless chicken thighs instead of breast meat keeps the chicken tender, juicy and flavorful, and only adds about 20 calories per serving.