Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Bring the vibrant flavors of Morocco to your table with this easy Chicken Tagine. A perfect blend of savory and sweet, it’s made with lemon, olives, and apricots in a traditional clay pot.
Don’t have a tagine pot? No worries! A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or slow cooker can work just as well.
Origin of Chicken Tagine
While some debate whether Chicken Tagine originated in Morocco or Tunisia, there’s no doubt that it has become a defining dish of Moroccan cuisine. Moroccan tagine pots, with their distinct cone-shaped lids, make this dish special by ensuring even cooking, locking in moisture, and intensifying the flavors.
Whether cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, Chicken Tagine is a culinary journey that highlights Morocco’s mastery of spices and slow cooking.
Key Ingredients for Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Main Ingredients:Chicken Thighs or Breasts, Olive Oil, Butter, Onion, Garlic, Chickpeas, Chicken Broth, Green Olives, Black Olives, Preserved Lemons, Dried Apricots, Raisins
Flavor Enhancers & Garnish: Harissa, Moroccan Spice Blend (Cumin, Saffron, Cinnamon, Coriander, Ginger, Turmeric, Cardamom, Paprika, Salt, Pepper), Pistachios or Slivered Almonds
Tips & Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before for a more intense flavor.
- Pick the Right Spices: Use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor. Toasting whole spices before grinding them releases even more aroma.
- Low & Slow: The longer you cook Chicken Tagine on low heat, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Reheats: Just cover with foil and bake at 350°F / 180°C
How to Store Chicken Tagine
Ideal for meal prep, this dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on low to maintain the chicken’s moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tagine is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides:
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Couscous: Fluffy couscous is the classic pairing for tagine.
Herb Salad: A fresh green salad with mint, parsley, and lemon dressing complements the rich flavors.
Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
More Delicious Recipes
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 6 Chicken thighs rubbed with the chicken spice mixture
- 1 tablespoon Harissa
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Onion sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic chopped
- ½ cup Canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cup Broth or water
- 12 Green olives pitted
- 12 Back olives pitted
- 3 pieces Pickled lemons
- 10 pieces Dried apricots
- 1 handful Raisins
- 2 tablespoons Flour
SPICES
- ½ teaspoon Saffron
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 sticks Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Dry ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ginger powder
GARNISH
- Pistachio
- Slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, harissa, olive oil, and butter. Mix well to coat the chicken in the marinade.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes per side, until browned.
- Add chickpeas, broth or water, olives, pickled lemons, and spices. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over couscous or rice, and garnish with pistachio and slivered almonds. Enjoy!
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