Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this delicious Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe. Made with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and sweet dried fruits, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests and become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick and easy prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions.
Ingredient Notes:
- Bone-in chicken thighs: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a base for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Onion, garlic, and a blend of spices: Create a flavorful base for the tagine.
- Dried apricots and raisins: Add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Toasted almonds and fresh cilantro: Garnish the dish with a crunchy and fresh element.
- Honey (optional): Adds a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a tagine or large skillet.
- Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides.
- Add the onion, garlic, and spices, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the dried fruits, chicken broth, and honey.
- Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice blend overnight.
- Serve the tagine with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a traditional tagine pot for authentic flavors and presentation.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet for added depth of flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish by adding more or less honey to taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine with fluffy couscous, a side of roasted vegetables, and a glass of mint tea for a complete Moroccan-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the dish moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. - Can I substitute the dried fruits with fresh ones?
While dried fruits add a unique sweetness, you can use fresh fruits like apricots or plums if desired. - How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Increase or decrease the amount of spices used to suit your taste preferences. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tagine in advance and reheat it before serving for a convenient meal option.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the exotic flavors of Morocco with this Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine recipe. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a comforting meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
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Traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Halal
Description
This traditional Moroccan Chicken Tagine is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a blend of warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy almonds. It’s a comforting and exotic meal that is perfect for a special dinner.
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
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a tagine or large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Saute the aromatics: In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
- Add spices and liquids: Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, paprika, apricots, raisins, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the tagine: Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot over couscous or rice.
Notes
- You can add a tablespoon of honey for extra sweetness if desired.
- This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for added convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Moroccan cuisine, chicken tagine, traditional recipe, exotic flavors, special dinner