Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine

Name: Global Flavors Moroccan Chicken Tagine
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon turmeric; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup dried apricots, chopped; 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: International Meal Ideas

I love making Moroccan Chicken Tagine because it transports me to a world of vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. The combination of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and fruity notes from apricots or olives creates a delightful dish that pleases the palate. As I simmer the ingredients slowly, the rich smells fill my kitchen, reminding me of my travels. This recipe is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to celebrate global cuisine right at home.

Created by

Maisie Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:41:34.721Z

When I first tried making a Moroccan chicken tagine, I was a little intimidated by the array of spices and the unfamiliar cooking method. However, I soon discovered that the slow-cooking process allows the spices to meld beautifully, truly enhancing the flavors. I particularly love incorporating both sweet and savory elements, like apricots or olives, which create a balance that keeps the dish exciting.

One of the best tips I've learned is to sear the chicken before adding it to the tagine. This step not only seals in the moisture but adds a rich depth of flavor that complements the spices. By the end, the chicken emerges tender and infused with a complex mix of tastes that transports me right to Morocco with every bite.

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Aromatic spices create an unforgettable flavor profile
Tender chicken that falls off the bone
Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions

Understanding the Tagine Technique

Cooking in a tagine brings unique benefits to this Moroccan Chicken Tagine. The conical shape of the lid allows steam to circulate, which helps to tenderize the chicken and meld the flavors beautifully. If you don’t have a tagine, don’t worry! A heavy pot with a tight lid will work just as well, though the moisture retention won’t be as pronounced.

When searing the chicken, aim for a medium-high heat to achieve that golden-brown exterior, which adds rich flavor to the final dish. For best results, don’t overcrowd the pot; if necessary, sear the chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets evenly browned.

Ingredient Insights

The aromatic spices used in this recipe—cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric—not only contribute significant flavor but also have health benefits. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes. When it comes to chicken, using thighs ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender through the long cooking process.

Dried apricots are a crucial component, providing a sweet contrast to the savory spices and chicken. If you don't have apricots on hand, feel free to substitute with dried figs or prunes, though you'll find they contribute a deeper richness to the flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

To make this dish a complete meal, serve the Moroccan Chicken Tagine over fluffy couscous or rice. The grains will soak up the luscious sauce, enhancing every bite. Additionally, you could offer a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad dressed with lemon juice to provide a refreshing contrast.

For a festive touch, sprinkle toasted almonds or sesame seeds over the finished dish, along with the fresh cilantro. This added crunch complements the tenderness of the chicken and the chewiness of the apricots, enriching the overall texture experience.

Ingredients

Prepare these ingredients for a delicious Moroccan chicken tagine.

For the Tagine

2 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

Preparation Steps

Follow these steps to create the perfect Moroccan chicken tagine.

Sear the Chicken

In a tagine or a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear on each side until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Spices and Tomatoes

Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer

Return the seared chicken to the pot, along with the chopped apricots and sliced olives. Cover and let it gently simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is tender.

Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro, over couscous or rice.

Enjoy the rich flavors of this Moroccan chicken tagine with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For added richness, serve with a drizzle of honey or a handful of toasted almonds on top just before serving.

Make-Ahead Tips

This chicken tagine is an excellent dish to prepare ahead of time. You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore moisture.

Freezing is also an option; the tagine freezes beautifully for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it a fantastic meal prep choice, allowing you to enjoy global flavors any night of the week.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find the chicken is not tender after the suggested simmering time, it might need more time on low heat. The goal is to achieve meat that easily pulls away from the bone, so continue cooking until that texture is reached, checking periodically to ensure the dish doesn’t dry out.

Conversely, if the sauce appears too watery at the end of cooking, you can remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate, thickening the sauce to the desired consistency, enhancing both the flavor and presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may dry out faster. Consider reducing the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for apricots?

You can use dried peaches or even raisins for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or a variety of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.