Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine Recipe
Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a fragrant and savory stew featuring bone-in chicken thighs simmered with aromatic spices, dried fruit, and almonds. This recipe combines sweet and savory flavors in a comforting one-pot dish that’s perfect for an authentic North African meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Spices
- 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
Fruits and Nuts
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pan or traditional tagine over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs to the pan and brown them on all sides for about 6-8 minutes total. This will help develop flavor and color.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Stir gently to coat the chicken and onions evenly with the spices.
- Add Fruits and Broth: Mix in the chopped dried apricots and raisins. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered by the liquid.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan or tagine with a lid, and let the chicken simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Honey and Nuts: If desired, stir in the tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and chopped fresh cilantro over the dish before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Moroccan chicken tagine hot, ideally with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Using bone-in chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding or omitting the honey according to your taste.
- To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- This dish can be made in a traditional tagine pot or a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with gluten-free couscous or rice.
Keywords: Moroccan chicken tagine, chicken stew, North African recipe, dried apricot chicken, spiced chicken tagine
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/traditional-moroccan-chicken-tagine-recipe/