Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe: Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a delightful dish that brings the rich flavors of Morocco right to your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken with an array of aromatic spices, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to make.

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of about an hour, you can enjoy a hearty dish that serves four. It contains approximately 408 calories per serving.

As we travel and explore various cuisines, we find that recipes like this one usually have a special place in families and traditions. The vibrant spices used in the Moroccan Chicken Tagine, such as cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, not only add taste but also offer various nutritional benefits.

By making this dish, you not only indulge your taste buds but also bring a bit of Moroccan culture into your home.

Join us as we share our favorite Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe, gathered from our culinary adventures around the world. We believe that cooking is a way to connect with different cultures, and this dish is a perfect example of how food can tell a story.

About Us

We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple passionate about cooking and travel. Our journeys take us around the world, where we explore diverse cultures through their culinary traditions.

We collect recipes from unique restaurants and participate in cooking classes. Each dish we discover tells a story and connects us with local traditions.

Through our blog, we aim to share these flavorful experiences with our readers. We believe that cooking is not just about food; it’s about community and connection.

You can learn more about our travels and adventures on our website. For insights into our mission on wildlife preservation, visit our dedicated pages.

Join us as we share our favorite recipes, including the exquisite Moroccan Chicken Tagine. Our goal is to inspire you to explore new flavors and try cooking these dishes at home.

Why You’ll Love This Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

We love this Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe for many reasons. First, it’s a wonderful blend of flavors. The combination of chicken, preserved lemons, and olives creates a unique taste that transports us to North Africa.

The warmth of the spices, like cumin and turmeric, adds depth to the dish. Each bite offers a perfect mix of savory and tangy, making it a memorable meal.

This recipe is also versatile. We can easily adapt it for the oven or stovetop. Whether we’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this traditional Moroccan tagine fits the bill.

Key Features:

• Aromatic Spices: The use of spices like cinnamon and paprika enhances the chicken stew.
• Tender Chicken: Slow-cooking ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.
• Rich History: Each bite carries the essence of Moroccan culinary traditions.

With the straightforward steps in this chicken tagine recipe, we feel confident tackling it at home. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience we enjoy sharing with family and friends.

We know that once you try this Moroccan chicken dish, you will appreciate its rich flavors and simplicity as much as we do.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets our Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe apart is its rich blend of flavors and fragrances. The use of fragrant spices like cumin, paprika, and ginger elevates the dish, creating a unique aroma that fills the kitchen.

This recipe highlights essential ingredients such as tender chicken, which becomes exceptionally moist and flavorful when cooked slowly. The slow-cooked chicken soaks up the rich sauce made from fresh herbs and spices.

We prepare our tagine in a traditional tagine pot, designed to retain moisture. This cooking method allows the chicken to become tender while infusing every bite with the complexity of Moroccan spices.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a comforting and satisfying meal. This North African dish not only warms the heart but also offers a true taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Whether served over couscous or with crusty bread, our dish promises a delightful dining experience that reflects our love for rich flavors and cultural traditions. Easy to make and reliably delicious, this tagine recipe is a favorite in our home.

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make an authentic Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe, we recommend using a few key pieces of equipment.

• Tagine Pot: This traditional clay vessel is essential for the dish. It allows for even cooking and retains moisture. If you don’t have one, a Dutch oven can work as a good alternative.
• Skillet: We use a skillet for browning the chicken before adding it to the tagine pot. Browning adds flavor and depth to the dish.
• Heat Diffuser: If you are using a tagine on a gas stove, a diffuser plate helps distribute heat evenly. This prevents hot spots that can burn your food.

Cooking Instructions

To start our Moroccan chicken tagine, we need to gather our ingredients. Use bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor. We suggest olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, and a mix of our favorite spices.

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a tagine or large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, then remove it and set it aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
   In the same pan, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is softened. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
   Toss in sliced carrots and any other vegetables you like. Add your spice blend, mixing well.
4. Combine and Simmer:
   Return the browned chicken to the pan. Pour in chicken broth or stock, covering the chicken halfway. Add in dried fruits like raisins and chopped dried apricots for sweetness.
5. Gentle Simmer:
   Reduce the heat to low and cover the tagine. Let it cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. Check occasionally and add more stock if necessary.
6. Finish with Olives and Chickpeas:
   In the last 15 minutes, stir in green olives and chickpeas for added texture.

This cooking method brings out the rich flavors of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Enjoy your meal!

Cooking Tips

When making Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a few tips can enhance your dish.

Marinating: Start by marinating the chicken with spices, garlic, and a bit of lemon juice. This adds flavor and tenderness.

Browning: Brown the chicken before cooking. This step adds depth to the flavors.

Slow Cooking: Cook the tagine at a low temperature for 1.5 to 2 hours. Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld.

Salt and Pepper: Season the dish generously with salt and pepper. Tasting as you go helps achieve balanced flavors.

Preserved Lemon and Olives: Add preserved lemon and olives towards the end for a bright, tangy finish. These ingredients are key to authentic Moroccan taste.

Sweetness: A touch of honey enhances the dish’s flavor, balancing the spices.

Garnish: Use fresh cilantro and parsley as a garnish before serving. This adds color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions: Pair the tagine with fluffy couscous or flatbreads to soak up the sauce.

Side Dishes: A side of yogurt can also complement the spices, providing a cooling contrast.

Additions: For a twist, include apricots and almonds during cooking. They offer sweetness and crunch.

Ingredients For the Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

Olive Oil
Garlic
Onion
Chicken
Parsley
Cilantro
Saffron
Salt
Pepper
Ginger
Paprika
Cumin
Turmeric
Lemon
Green Olives
Water
Couscous

Cooking Instructions For the Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

Preparing the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare all ingredients by mincing the garlic, onion, preserved lemon, cilantro, and parsley.

Sautéing Onions and Garlic

In the base of the tajine, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing until the onions become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Seasoning the Chicken

Turn off the heat and place the chicken over the sautéed onions in the tajine. Sprinkle with parsley, cilantro, the remaining olive oil, bloomed saffron, salt, pepper, ginger, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Using your hands, mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the seasonings.

Arranging and Baking the Dish

Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken across the base of the tajine. Arrange the sliced preserved lemon and olives on top. Drizzle with water, cover, and bake for 1 hour or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, checking every 30 minutes.

Optional Broiling Step

For a crispier finish, remove the tajine from the oven and set it to broil. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, leaving the sauce, olives, and preserved lemons in the tajine. Place the chicken skin-side up under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Serve hot.

FAQ For the Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

Question: What is a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe?
A: A Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe is a slow-cooked dish that combines chicken with aromatic spices, onions, garlic, and preserved lemons. The Chicken Tagine recipe is traditionally prepared in a tagine pot, which helps enhance the flavors by retaining moisture.

Question: What are the key spices used in a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe?
A: A Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe typically includes spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, and paprika. These spices give the Chicken Tagine recipe its signature depth and warmth.

Question: Can I make a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe without a tagine pot?
A: Yes, a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe can be made in a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. While a tagine pot is traditional, slow-cooking a Chicken Tagine recipe in any covered pot will still yield rich flavors.

Question: How long does it take to cook a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe?
A: A Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours to cook, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the spices. Slow-cooking ensures the Chicken Tagine recipe develops deep flavors.

Question: What is the best way to serve a Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe?
A: A Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe is best served with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Many people garnish a Chicken Tagine recipe with fresh herbs, olives, or almonds for added texture.

Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe

Aromatic chicken slow-cooked to tender perfection, soaking up the deep flavors of cinnamon, paprika, and saffron, stewed with tomatoes, olives, and preserved lemon, creating a bright yet richly spiced dish with layers of complexity in every bite.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Moroccan

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 760 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 6 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 Onion yellow sliced thinly
• 6 Chicken thighsskin on & bone in
• 1 tbsp Parsley minced
• 1 tbsp Cilantro minced
• 6 strands Saffron
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Pepper
• 2 tsp Ginger
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 1 Lemon preserved sliced thinly
• 1 cup Green Olives
• 2 tbsp Water
• 6 cups Couscous pre cooked

Instructions

 

Preparing the Oven and Ingredients

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare all ingredients by mincing the garlic, onion, preserved lemon, cilantro, and parsley.

Sautéing Onions and Garlic

• In the base of the tajine, heat half of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing until the onions become translucent, which takes about 5 minutes.

Seasoning the Chicken

• Turn off the heat and place the chicken over the sautéed onions in the tajine. Sprinkle with parsley, cilantro, the remaining olive oil, bloomed saffron, salt, pepper, ginger, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Using your hands, mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the seasonings.

Arranging and Baking the Dish

• Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken across the base of the tajine. Arrange the sliced preserved lemon and olives on top. Drizzle with water, cover, and bake for 1 hour or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, checking every 30 minutes.

Optional Broiling Step

• For a crispier finish, remove the tajine from the oven and set it to broil. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet, leaving the sauce, olives, and preserved lemons in the tajine. Place the chicken skin-side up under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 141gProtein: 23gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 761mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 11gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 495IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 3mg

Keyword chicken, Tagine

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!