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: 1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved; 1 preserved lemon, rinsed and sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Worldly Delights

I absolutely love making this Moroccan Chicken Tagine. The vibrant spices and tender chicken create a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. With every bite, I can taste the warmth of cumin, the brightness of preserved lemons, and the sweetness of dried apricots. It's a dish that transports me to the bustling markets of Marrakech, all from the comfort of my kitchen. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that brings friends and family together around the table, sharing stories and savoring the rich flavors.

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:37:35.123Z

When I first tried cooking Moroccan tagine, I was enchanted by the blend of spices and the slow-cooking method that makes the chicken incredibly tender. During my experiments, I learned that using a mix of spices enhances the depth of flavor—cumin, coriander, and cinnamon create a warm base, while saffron adds a luxurious touch. It's become a favorite in my household, igniting taste buds and inspiring requests for the recipe.

One of my best tips is to let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. Adding olives and preserved lemons just before serving brings a zing that elevates the dish to new heights. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the secret!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with warmth
Tender chicken that falls off the bone
A beautiful, vibrant dish perfect for gatherings

Understanding the Flavors

The hallmark of Moroccan cuisine is its blend of spices, which not only elevate the dish but also play a significant role in flavor development. Ingredients like cumin and coriander enhance the savory elements of the chicken, while the cinnamon and ginger add warming notes that deepen the complexity. This layered flavor profile is what makes the Moroccan Chicken Tagine truly stand out, providing a rich, aromatic experience in each bite.

Using preserved lemons is a unique aspect of this recipe; they contribute a vibrant acidity that brightens the dish. Rinsing them prior to use is essential to reduce excess saltiness, but don't skip on including them altogether. The tangy profile from these lemons complements the earthy chickpeas and sweet dried apricots, creating a well-balanced dish that is both savory and sweet.

Perfecting the Technique

Searing the chicken is a crucial step in this recipe. By cooking it until golden brown, you not only enhance the flavor through caramelization but also develop a beautiful crust that helps lock in moisture. If you overcrowd the pot, the chicken will steam instead of sear, leading to less flavorful meat. It's better to work in batches if your pot is too small, ensuring that each piece gets the attention it deserves.

When it comes to simmering, low and slow is the way to go. Maintaining a gentle simmer allows the chicken to become incredibly tender without drying out. Cover the pot to prevent moisture loss, checking occasionally to ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid. If it seems too dry or you're concerned about burning, adding a splash more chicken broth can help.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delightful cooking experience:

Ingredients

1 pound chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and halved
1 preserved lemon, rinsed and sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Make sure to prep your vegetables and spices before starting for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create an unforgettable Moroccan Chicken Tagine:

Sear the Chicken

In a large tagine or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, and saffron. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add the chickpeas, dried apricots, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Simmer

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Finish and Serve

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the olives and preserved lemon. Stir gently and then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serve with couscous or warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

Pro Tips

Don’t skip the resting time before serving
it truly enhances the flavors. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find preserved lemons, a good substitute would be a mixture of lemon juice and zest combined with a touch of salt. This imitation won't replicate the fermentation process, but it will still lend that lemony brightness to the dish. For those who prefer a different protein, you might try using skinless, boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs; however, be mindful to reduce the cooking time slightly as they cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Chickpeas can be swapped for other beans like cannellini or even lentils, though the texture will change. Note that lentils will need less cooking time, making this dish even quicker if you go that route. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms, which will soak up the fantastic spices and add their own earthy flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Moroccan Chicken Tagine is actually a perfect dish for meal prep. You can prepare it a day ahead of time and let the flavors meld in the fridge overnight. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to restore moisture. The tagine will taste even better the next day as the spices further develop.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the tagine for up to three months. Just remember to portion it out into meal-sized containers for easy reheating later. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave until piping hot.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but keep in mind that chicken breasts may dry out more easily. Thighs are recommended for tenderness.

→ Is tagine the same as stew?

While both are slow-cooked dishes, tagine uses specific Moroccan spices and is traditionally cooked in a tagine pot, giving it a unique flavor.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables, chickpeas, and add extra spices to maintain great flavor.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove before serving.