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Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Moroccan Chicken Tagine is an exotic dish that fills your senses with vibrant North African spices and tender chicken. This healthful delight is a must-try for anyone who wants to dive into the culinary wonders of Morocco. Dive into this guide and get cooking!
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Nutritions

Nutrition Facts
Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Amount per Serving
Calories
420
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
24
g
37
%
Carbohydrates
 
20
g
7
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
32
g
64
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Ingredients

  • - Chicken thighs: 4 pieces about 1.5 lbs or 680 grams
  • - Olive oil: 3 tbsp 45 ml
  • - Onions: 2 medium finely chopped
  • - Garlic cloves: 3 minced
  • - Ground ginger: 1 tsp 5 ml
  • - Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp 2.5 ml
  • - Saffron threads: a pinch
  • - Ground turmeric: ½ tsp 2.5 ml
  • - Ground cumin: 1 tsp 5 ml
  • - Chicken broth: 2 cups 480 ml
  • - Lemons: 1 preserved and thinly sliced
  • - Green olives: ½ cup about 80 grams
  • - Fresh cilantro and parsley: 1/4 cup each chopped (60 ml combined)

Instructions

  • Start by heating the olive oil in your tagine or a heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat.
  • Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces. Brown each side for about 5 minutes. Once done, remove and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add onions. Cook them until they're translucent.
  • Add minced garlic, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, saffron threads, ground turmeric, and cumin to the onions. Stir well, allowing the spices to release their aroma.
  • Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot.
  • Pour in the chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is nearly submerged.
  • Add slices of preserved lemon and green olives into the pot.
  • Cover your tagine or pot and let it simmer for about 40 minutes on low heat.
  • Once the chicken is tender and fully cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and parsley.

Notes

1. If you don’t have a traditional Moroccan tagine pot, a Dutch oven or any heavy-bottomed pot will do.
2. Using bone-in chicken enhances the flavor of your Moroccan Chicken Tagine.
3. Preserved lemons are a must for the authentic flavor. If unavailable, zest a fresh lemon and use a squeeze of its juice as a substitute.
4. Always serve hot for the best experience.