Name: Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Moroccan/North African
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup dried apricots, halved; 1/4 cup green olives, pitted; 1 tablespoon honey; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Chicken Tagine is a flavorful, aromatic Moroccan dish that’s rich with spices, tender chicken, and a variety of vegetables or fruits, typically cooked in a tagine, a traditional North African clay pot. This one-pot meal is known for its complex, balanced flavors, combining savory, sweet, and slightly spicy elements. With ingredients like cinnamon, cumin, and preserved lemons, this dish will transport you to the heart of Morocco with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tagine is a versatile and forgiving dish, meaning you can customize it to your liking by adding vegetables, dried fruits, or even switching up the spices. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pot meal that’s perfect for entertaining or family dinners. The slow cooking process results in tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for spooning over couscous, rice, or bread.

Chicken Tagine

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or 4 chicken breasts)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup green olives (pitted and halved)
1/4 cup preserved lemons (sliced, optional but highly recommended)
1/4 cup dried apricots or raisins (optional, for sweetness)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or tagine over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add Spices: Stir in cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and bring out their flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken back into the skillet. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth (or water), scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Stir in the olives, preserved lemons, and dried apricots or raisins (if using).
Simmer: Cover and simmer the tagine for 30-40 minutes over low heat, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. If using a tagine, you can cook it directly on the stove, or alternatively, you can cook it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve over couscous, rice, or warm flatbread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is around 1 hour, including simmering the chicken to tenderness.

Variations

Vegetable Tagine: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a mix of vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add Spicy Heat: Add a chopped chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Lamb Tagine: For a more traditional option, replace the chicken with lamb. Lamb shanks or stew meat work well in this recipe.
Sweet and Savory: For a sweeter twist, you can increase the amount of dried apricots or raisins, or add a bit of honey to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs can be used. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly since boneless chicken cooks faster.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this dish in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What if I can’t find preserved lemons?

You can substitute with fresh lemon zest and a little extra salt, or omit the preserved lemons altogether, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Can I use other dried fruits?

Yes, dates or prunes would work well in this recipe for an even richer sweetness.

How do I serve Chicken Tagine?

Chicken Tagine pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or flatbread, which soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Is this dish spicy?

While the traditional spices in Chicken Tagine are aromatic and warm, they are not overly spicy. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or cayenne pepper to taste.

Conclusion

Chicken Tagine is a flavorful, aromatic dish that combines the rich spices and savory flavors of Moroccan cuisine. The tender chicken, infused with the tang of preserved lemons, the sweetness of dried apricots, and the savory touch of olives, creates a beautifully balanced dish. Whether served for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Chicken Tagine is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.