Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup almonds, toasted; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Home Cooking

I absolutely love preparing Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine. The combination of aromas from spices like cumin and coriander creates a delightful experience in my kitchen. This dish features tender chicken simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs and dried fruits. It is a wonderful centerpiece for a family gathering and is surprisingly uncomplicated to make. Each bite transports me to the vibrant streets of Morocco, making it a perfect choice when I want to impress my guests with something unique and flavorful.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:49:35.212Z

When I first tried making Moroccan Chicken Tagine, I was captivated by the blend of sweet and savory flavors. The key is in the unique combination of spices, which elevate the dish beyond typical chicken recipes. Incorporating saffron, cinnamon, and ginger truly brings out complex flavors, creating an unforgettable meal.

I remember the first time I served it during a dinner party. Everyone was amazed at the tenderness of the chicken and the beautifully balanced spices. It’s essential to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour, allowing it to absorb the flavors completely. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that create a warm, inviting atmosphere
Tender chicken that falls off the bone with rich flavors
A unique blend of savory and sweet that delights the palate

      

Mastering the Tagine Technique

Cooking in a tagine allows for even heat distribution, which is key for tender, flavorful chicken. The conical lid traps steam, creating a self-basting environment. If you don’t have a tagine, a Dutch oven works beautifully; however, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly due to differences in heat retention. Monitor the dish occasionally, and if it seems to dry out, add a splash more broth to keep the moisture intact.

When searing the chicken, focus on getting a good golden-brown crust; this intensifies the flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this will cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. If your pot is small, consider searing in batches. Once seared, the chicken releases its juices, which will blend with the spices and aromatics to form a delicious sauce.

Ingredient Insights and Variations

Saffron may seem luxurious, but it adds a unique depth and subtle complexity to the dish. If it’s hard to find or too pricey, consider substituting it with a pinch of turmeric for color and earthiness, though the flavor won't be exactly the same. Also, don’t overlook the role of chickpeas—they provide protein and a wonderful texture that contrasts with the tender chicken. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash.

Dried apricots contribute a natural sweetness that balances the spiciness of the dish. You can experiment with other dried fruits like figs or dates, but be mindful of their sweetness levels, as some may require adjustment of seasoning. For a nuttier flavor, feel free to swap the almonds for pistachios or walnuts; just remember to toast them first to enhance their taste.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your Moroccan Chicken Tagine with fluffy couscous or warm crusty bread. The sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for soaking up with either option. For vibrant color and freshness, consider a side of lemon wedges and a simple salad of mixed greens dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice. This not only enhances the dish visually but also livens it up with a fresh contrast.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. This dish also freezes well, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy the flavors at a later date—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup almonds, toasted
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and sear the other side, then remove the chicken and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, followed by the saffron.

Simmer the Tagine

Return the chicken to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and add the chickpeas and dried apricots. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 45-50 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, check for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve the tagine warm, garnished with toasted almonds and fresh cilantro.

Your Moroccan Chicken Tagine is ready to impress!

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in spices and olive oil overnight. Serve with couscous or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Enhancing Flavor through Marination

For an even richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours or overnight. Mix olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, and some salt and pepper in a zip-top bag with the chicken. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also helps in tenderizing it before cooking. Just remember to bring the chicken to room temperature before searing to achieve optimal caramelization.

Adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of zest to the marinade can brighten the overall flavor. If you find the marinated chicken is sticking to the pan while searing, ensure your oil is hot enough, or consider using a non-stick pan to avoid any unwanted sticking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your tagine sauce is too watery after cooking, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to reduce and thicken. On the other hand, if it seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth as it simmers. Adjusting the liquid allows you to cater the consistency to your liking.

Sometimes, the sweetness from the dried fruits can overpower the spices. Taste the dish before serving and balance it by adding a pinch of salt or even a splash of vinegar; this will help cut through the sweetness, ensuring that all flavors are well balanced.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. For every additional pound of chicken added, consider increasing the liquids and spices by about 50%. Since spices can vary in potency, always taste as you go. Adjusting may be necessary to maintain the flavor balance as the quantity grows.

Conversely, if cooking for just one or two, you can halve the recipe without compromising flavor, but be cautious with cooking times, as smaller quantities may cook a bit faster. Always check for doneness by ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful in this dish.

→ What can I substitute for dried apricots?

You can use dried figs or dates for a different flavor profile.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily.

→ Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.