Chicken Tagine

Chicken Tagine

Ramped up with green olives and preserved lemons for a traditional slow-cooked Moroccan recipe with juicy chicken thighs, onions, and spices. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have the entire family crowding around. And don't panic if you don't have specialized equipment! You can do this surprisingly simple dish without a tagine.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs

    bone-in and excess fat and skin trimmed

    6 medium
  • salt and pepper
    to taste
  • ginger

    minced

    ½ tsp
  • garlic

    minced

    1 tsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    1 tsp
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • onion

    sliced

    1 medium
  • garlic

    minced

    3 tsp
  • ginger

    minced

    1 tsp
  • ground coriander
    1 tsp
  • paprika
    ½ tbsp
  • ground cumin
    1 tsp
  • bay leaves
    2 small
  • cayenne pepper
    ½ tsp
  • 14-ounce can chickpeas

    rinsed and drained

    1
  • apricots
    ½ c
  • chicken stock or water

    more as needed

    1 c
  • preserved lemon)

    or 3 small, sliced (or zest and juice from one lemon

    1 large
  • green olives
    1 ½ c
  • fresh parsley

    chopped

    1 tbsp
  • lemon

    thinly sliced plus extra for serving

    1

Directions

Tagine chicken marinade

  1. 1

    Place chicken thighs in a large bowl, then season with salt and pepper. Next, add the garlic, ginger, cumin, and paprika.

  2. 2

    Mix chicken with a spoon or hands until well coated with spices. Set aside in the fridge until ready to use or marinate for up to 24 hours.

Preparing the chicken tagine

  1. 1

    When ready to cook, heat a skillet or large saucepan with about 2 tablespoons of oil, and then brown the chicken for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown. Remove and set aside. Drain excess oil from the skillet. (Use an oven-proof skillet for the oven-baked version.)

  2. 2

    Add onions, garlic, ginger, coriander, smoked paprika, cumin, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Stir for 3-4 minutes for the flavors to develop and the onions wilt.

  3. 3

    Add chickpeas, apricots, and preserved lemons. Pour in chicken stock, and then add the olives. Season with salt and pepper, being careful with the salt.

  4. 4

    Return the chicken to the pan along with the juice from the chicken and sliced lemons.

Oven-baked chicken tagine

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 325℉/163℃. Place the chicken in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes.

  2. 2

    Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley and more lemon slices, and serve with Moroccan couscous or white rice.

Stovetop chicken tagine

  1. 1

    Reduce heat and cook covered for about 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. As the chicken cooks, add more liquid if needed. Adjust seasonings to taste.

  2. 2

    Remove from the heat, garnish with parsley and more lemon slices, and serve with Moroccan couscous or white rice.

Chicken Tagine

Chicken Tagine

5.0(7)452 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 7 ratings

africanbites.com
5.0(7 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Dreaming of the exotic flavors of Morocco without leaving your kitchen? This traditional slow-cooked Chicken Tagine recipe brings the aromatic spices and tender chicken of North Africa right to your dinner table. This recipe shines with its blend of bright preserved lemons, briny green olives, and deeply fragrant spices like cumin and smoked paprika, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. Using bone-in chicken thighs ensures every bite is incredibly juicy, absorbing all the rich, slow-cooked goodness. And don't panic—you can achieve this surprisingly simple dish without a specialized tagine pot. You'll be greeted by an incredible aroma as this Moroccan Chicken Tagine slowly simmers, filling your home with the promise of a truly special meal. The chicken thighs become melt-in-your-mouth tender, bathed in a rich, spiced sauce punctuated by the salty tang of green olives and the unique citrus notes of preserved lemons. With hearty chickpeas and sweet apricots, each spoonful offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making for a truly satisfying dinner experience. While preserved lemons are a hallmark of Moroccan cuisine and highly recommended for their unique depth, you can substitute with the zest and juice from one regular lemon if needed. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference for a milder or spicier dish. For those who enjoy an extra layer of sweetness, a touch more apricot can be added, or even a handful of dates. This Moroccan Chicken Tagine makes an unforgettable centerpiece for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, especially when served alongside fluffy couscous or rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.

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