Chicken Tagine recipe

 

🍋 Chicken Tagine Recipe – A Taste of Morocco in Your Kitchen

Fragrant, colorful, and deeply flavorful — Chicken Tagine is one of Morocco’s most iconic dishes. Simmered slowly with warm spices, preserved lemons, and tender vegetables, this dish fills your home with aromas that transport you straight to the bustling souks of Marrakech.

You don’t need a traditional clay tagine pot to enjoy this recipe — a heavy pot or Dutch oven will work just fine. The secret lies in slow cooking, bold spices, and layers of flavor that make every bite unforgettable.

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Tagine:

• 1 onion, finely sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup chicken broth or water

• 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and sliced (or use fresh lemon zest if unavailable)

• 1 cup green or mixed olives

• A handful of chopped cilantro and parsley

• Optional: a handful of dried apricots or raisins for a sweet touch

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🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken
In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Sauté the base
In a large tagine or heavy pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden.

3. Brown the chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and sear on both sides until lightly browned. This helps lock in flavor.

4. Add liquids and flavorings
Pour in the chicken broth. Add preserved lemons, olives, and any dried fruit if using. Stir gently to combine.

5. Simmer slowly
Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the tagine simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and parsley just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve hot with couscous, rice, or warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

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🌿 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tagine

• Use bone-in chicken for maximum flavor and tenderness.

• Preserved lemons add authentic Moroccan tang — you can make your own by curing lemons in salt and juice for a few weeks.

• For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of honey or a few chopped dates near the end of cooking.

• Don’t rush — low and slow cooking allows the spices to blend beautifully.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fluffy couscous or buttery rice.

• Add a side of grilled vegetables or a Moroccan carrot salad for color and freshness.

• Serve with mint tea for a traditional touch.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Chicken Tagine is more than just a meal — it’s a culinary journey through Morocco’s history and culture. Each ingredient plays its part in creating layers of warmth, spice, and citrus brightness.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers comfort and elegance in one pot. Simple to make, yet exotic in flavor — Chicken Tagine will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for special dinners or cozy nights in.