Preparation

• In an 8-inch skillet, toast the saffron over medium heat, shaking the pan often, until a shade darker, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, let cool, and then, using the back of a wooden spoon, crush the threads to release their flavor. Add the garlic, parsley, 1 Tbs. of the cilantro, the ginger, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper; stir to combine. Add the oil and 2 Tbs. water and stir until combined. One by one, add the chicken pieces to the marinade, turning to coat each one before adding the next. Cover and refrigerate, turning the pieces once or twice, for 30 minutes.
• Scatter the onions over the bottom of an 11- to 12-inch tagine. Arrange the chicken in a snug single layer on top and drizzle over any remaining marinade. Dot with 1 Tbs. of the butter, then put over medium heat and cook, turning the chicken occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 15 minutes.
• Add 1/4 cup water and then cover with the lid, propping a wooden spoon between the base and the lid to keep it from sealing. Turn the heat down to low and gently simmer, nudging the chicken from time to time to prevent sticking and swapping the spoon position halfway through, until cooked through and tender (but not falling off the bone), about 45 minutes. Drizzle in a few spoonfuls of water as necessary during cooking to keep the sauce loose, or remove the lid at the end of cooking to evaporate and thicken the sauce if it’s watery.
• Meanwhile, put the apricots, 2 Tbs. of the honey, the cinnamon stick, a few drops of orange flower water, if using, and 3/4 cup water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then turn the heat down and simmer gently until the apricots are tender and the liquid has reduced to about 2 Tbs. of syrup, 10 to 15 minutes. If it seems to be drying out, add a bit more water as needed. Remove from the heat and let cool. Discard the cinnamon stick.
• r融化emaining 1 Tbs. butter in an 8-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 2 Tbs. honey and the walnuts and cook, constantly and slowly turning the walnuts in the honey, until they have a light, chewy coating, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, spread into a single layer, and let cool. When cool, separate any walnuts that are stuck together.
• When the chicken is done, arrange the apricots around the chicken, drizzle with the apricot syrup, and add more water if needed; cook the tagine, partially covered, over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper, scatter the walnuts and the remaining 2 Tbs. cilantro over the stew, and serve.