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Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Chicken Tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines chicken with a variety of spices, vegetables, and often dried fruits, cooked slowly in a special earthenware pot called a tagine. The tagine pot has a conical lid that helps circulate steam, creating a moist, flavorful dish.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 4 chicken thighs or 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1/2 cup green olives, pitted
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots or raisins
  • 1 preserved lemon, quartered (optional but traditional)
  • Fresh cilantro and parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the chicken:
    1. In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with ginger, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, paprika, black pepper, and white pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
    2. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
  2. Cook the chicken:
    1. Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
    2. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
    4. Crumble the saffron threads into the pot, and add salt. Pour in the chicken broth or water.
  3. Simmer:
    1. Reduce the heat to low, cover the tagine or pot, and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes.
    2. Stir occasionally and add a little more water if needed to prevent sticking.
  4. Add additional ingredients:
    1. Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, add the green olives, dried apricots or raisins, and preserved lemon quarters if using.
    2. Continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the flavors are well blended.
  5. Finish and serve:
    1. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
    2. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and parsley.
    3. Serve hot with cooked couscous or Moroccan bread (khobz) on the side.

Enjoy your Moroccan Chicken Tagine, a dish rich in flavors and aromatic spices that is sure to be a delightful experience!

Monchanoke