Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/4 cup almonds, toasted; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 preserved lemon, sliced; 1/2 cup green olives, pitted

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

I absolutely love experimenting with bold flavors in my cooking, and the Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine is one of my absolute favorites. Each time I prepare this dish, I am transported to the vibrant streets of Morocco, where the aroma of spices fills the air. This tagine is rich and hearty, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. I especially love how the tender chicken simmers in a delightful blend of aromatic spices and sweet dried fruits, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:41:34.382Z

When I first tasted Moroccan cuisine, I was captivated by the depth of flavors that each dish brought. My Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine is inspired by that revelation. One detail I love is the use of preserved lemons and olives, which adds an unexpected zest that brightens the entire dish. It’s this combination of sweet and savory that truly captures the essence of Moroccan cooking.

The cooking method is essential as it allows the spices to infuse deeply into the chicken. Using a tagine or a heavy-bottom pot helps create a slow cooking environment that tenderizes the meat beautifully. I often serve it with couscous to soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite a delightful adventure.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that create a burst of flavor
Tender chicken that falls off the bone
Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The blend of spices in this Moroccan Chicken Tagine is what elevates the dish, offering a deep flavor profile. Ground cumin and coriander provide earthiness, while cinnamon adds a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with the dried apricots. Each ingredient serves a purpose: the preserved lemon brings a bright, tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the fruits and the richness of the chicken. Almonds add a delightful crunch, contrasting the tender, juicy chicken. It's essential to source good quality spices for maximum aroma and flavor impact.

The choice of chicken thighs over breasts is intentional; thighs are more forgiving when braised and result in meat that becomes tender and flavorful, practically falling off the bone. If you prefer a lighter cut, you could opt for chicken legs or a combination of thighs and legs. Additionally, consider using skin-on thighs for a richer flavor; just be sure to reduce the oil slightly since the skin will render fat during cooking.

Cooking Technique Insights

Searing the chicken correctly is crucial. Aim for a medium-high heat, which allows the chicken to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the interior juicy. Watch closely to avoid burning; if the oil begins to smoke, reduce the heat. After removing the chicken, be sure to scrape up any browned bits left in the pot while cooking the onions. These bits add layers of flavor to your sauce, creating a rich, complex base for the tagine.

Simmering the chicken low and slow is key for tenderness. Cover the pot to trap steam, which helps the chicken cook evenly. If you find the sauce is becoming too thick during cooking, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too loose when finished, simply remove the lid for the last few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Serving and Storing Tips

Traditionally, Moroccan tagines are served with couscous, which complements the rich sauce perfectly. You can prepare the couscous while the chicken simmers; simply follow the package instructions, often involving boiling water and letting the grains absorb the moisture for about 5 minutes. For added flavor, consider cooking the couscous in chicken broth instead of water, or mixing in some chopped herbs or toasted spices for an aromatic touch.

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to three months. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. You may need to add a splash of broth to the pan to reconnect with that luscious sauce. This dish often tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/4 cup almonds, toasted
2 cups chicken broth
1 preserved lemon, sliced
1/2 cup green olives, pitted

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large tagine or heavy-bottom pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear on both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove the chicken and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they're soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne, continuing to cook for another minute.

Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pot and add in the chopped apricots, chicken broth, preserved lemon, and green olives. Bring to a simmer, covering with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Let it cook gently for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the lid and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top. Serve the tagine over fluffy couscous or with warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your tagine warm with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

For an added depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking. This enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re unable to find preserved lemons, you can substitute with a mix of lemon juice and zest. Use about one tablespoon of juice and a teaspoon of zest as a starting point, adjusting to taste. This will provide the acidity and brightness that preserved lemons add, albeit with a slightly different flavor profile.

For a different flavor angle, consider incorporating dried figs or prunes instead of apricots. These fruits will introduce a hearty sweetness that complements the spices nicely. If you wish to create a gluten-free version, serve the tagine with quinoa or rice instead of couscous.

Variations to Try

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. Adjust the cooking time to allow the vegetables to become tender but not mushy. Maintain the spices as they will still carry the dish beautifully, and you can add chickpeas for protein.

Experiment with different nuts as well; pistachios or walnuts can be delicious alternatives to almonds. Toast them lightly just before serving to enhance their flavor. Additionally, adding a scoop of yogurt on top serves not only as a garnish but also imparts a creamy contrast that complements the spices perfectly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats in this tagine?

Yes! Lamb, beef, or even a vegetarian option with chickpeas or tofu would work well.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

Couscous is traditional, but you can also serve it with rice or warm bread.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container.