Creating Moroccan Chicken & Rice is a simple yet fulfilling process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the pot and brown them on both sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set them aside.
5. Mix in Spices: Add the cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices.
6. Stir in Rice: Pour in the rice and stir, allowing it to toast slightly for about 1-2 minutes.
7. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, mixing everything well.
8. Return Chicken: Add the browned chicken thighs back to the pot, nestling them gently into the rice mixture.
9. Cook: Bring the dish to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
10. Add Apricots: Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped dried apricots.
11. Garnish and Serve: Top with toasted almonds and fresh herbs before serving.

The result is a delectable blend of flavors that beautifully showcases the essence of Moroccan cooking.