A fragrant and slow-cooked Moroccan dish with tender chicken, warm spices, dried fruits, and almonds. Chicken Tagine is a rich, aromatic meal that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine with its blend of sweet and savory flavors, slow-cooked to perfection in a tagine or heavy pot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Moroccan Flavor – Infused with traditional North African spices for a rich and aromatic dish.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken – Slow cooking ensures the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweet and Savory Notes – Dried fruits and honey (optional) enhance the depth of flavor.
- One-Pot Wonder – Minimal cleanup and maximum taste with a single cooking vessel.
- Pairs Beautifully with Couscous or Bread – A complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Bone-in chicken thighs
- Olive oil
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Garlic, minced
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried apricots, chopped
- Raisins
- Chicken broth
- Almonds, toasted
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Honey (optional)
Directions
- Brown the chicken – Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics – In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add the spices – Stir in cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the tagine – Return the chicken to the pot, add apricots, raisins, and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Add finishing touches – Stir in toasted almonds and honey (if using).
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicier Tagine – Add a pinch of cayenne or harissa for extra heat.
- Vegetable Tagine – Include carrots, zucchini, or potatoes for added texture.
- Nut-Free Option – Omit almonds or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Citrus Twist – Add preserved lemons for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Slow Cooker Method – Cook on low for 4-5 hours for an effortless meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
What is a tagine?
A tagine is a traditional Moroccan clay pot used for slow cooking, but a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works as well.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor and tenderness.
What side dishes pair well with Chicken Tagine?
Serve with couscous, flatbread, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, tagine flavors develop even more when made a day ahead and reheated.
What if I don’t have dried apricots?
Substitute with dates, prunes, or dried figs for a similar sweetness.
Can I make this dish without almonds?
Yes, simply omit them or replace with toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Keep the tagine covered while cooking and ensure there’s enough broth to keep it moist.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth works well if you prefer a lighter taste.
What’s the best way to get a richer sauce?
Simmer uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Is this dish traditionally spicy?
No, Moroccan tagine is typically aromatic rather than spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
Conclusion
Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a beautifully spiced and slow-cooked dish that brings warmth and depth to your table. With its combination of tender chicken, fragrant spices, and sweet dried fruits, this one-pot meal is a must-try. Serve it with fluffy couscous or crusty bread for an authentic Moroccan experience!
PrintTraditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine
A fragrant and slow-cooked Moroccan dish with tender chicken, warm spices, dried fruits, and almonds, perfect for serving with couscous or bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow-Cooked / Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan / North African
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a tagine or heavy pot over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring for 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Return the chicken to the pot, add apricots, raisins, and chicken broth. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in toasted almonds and honey (if using).
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with couscous or bread.
Notes
- For extra richness, use saffron or preserved lemons for an authentic touch.
- Substitute dried apricots with prunes or dates for a different depth of sweetness.
- If you don’t have a tagine, a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot works well.