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, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Highlighted under: Worldwide Favorites

I absolutely love exploring cuisines from around the world, and this Moroccan Chicken Tagine has become a favorite in my kitchen. Each ingredient, from the spices to the fresh vegetables, brings a burst of flavor that transports me to the bustling markets of Morocco. The slow-cooked chicken is succulent and tender, while the vibrant colors make this dish both beautiful and appetizing. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal at home. With a handful of commonly available spices, you can create an exotic experience that tastes like pure magic.

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-01-26T01:45:34.275Z

When I first attempted to make a Moroccan tagine, I was amazed by how the spices melded together to create a dish that was far greater than its individual components. One crucial tip I learned is to toast the spices before adding them to the pot; this brings out their natural aromas and flavors. It’s a simple step that transforms the dish.

Another important detail is the way I select my chicken. I prefer using bone-in pieces for added richness, as they stay juicy during cooking. Cooking the tagine slowly allows all the ingredients to merge beautifully, creating a harmonious and comforting meal.

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic spices that awaken your senses
Tender chicken cooked to perfection
Beautiful presentation that's perfect for sharing

      

The Importance of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is essential for achieving the tender, fall-off-the-bone texture of the chicken in this Moroccan Tagine. By allowing the dish to simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, the chicken absorbs the rich flavors of the broth and spices, enhancing its overall taste. If rushed, the chicken can become tough and dry, so make sure to resist the urge to crank up the heat. A perfect simmer should produce gentle bubbles without a furious boil, ensuring the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Using a heavy-bottomed pot or a tagine helps distribute heat evenly, which is crucial for the slow cooking process. If you find the liquid evaporating too quickly, consider reducing the heat further or covering the pot with a lid. This not only keeps the moisture in but also helps build the aromatic flavors of the dish.

Ingredient Roles and Substitutions

Each ingredient in this dish plays a significant role in creating an authentic Moroccan flavor profile. The dried apricots add a natural sweetness that balances the spices' earthiness, while the chickpeas provide extra protein and texture. If you’re looking for a lower sugar alternative to apricots, try using chopped dates, which can bring a similar sweetness but with a different flavor nuance. Alternatively, raisins can work as well—just keep in mind they are sweeter than apricots.

Spices are central to the essence of this tagine. If you feel adventurous, you can experiment with different spice blends such as ras el hanout, which offers a complex flavor. However, if you don't have access to these spices, a mix of cumin, coriander, and a pinch of nutmeg can create a similar depth of flavor in the sauce while keeping it accessible.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

When serving Moroccan Chicken Tagine, consider pairing it with fluffy couscous or warm, crusty bread to soak up the wonderful sauce. A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad with citrus dressing can also complement the richness of the dish, providing a nice contrast in texture and flavor. I often garnish with chopped, fresh cilantro just before serving to add a bright burst of flavor.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, it stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply let it cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to revive the sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to three months; just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystals forming.

Ingredients

For the Moroccan Chicken Tagine

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Serve warm with couscous or crusty bread for a complete meal!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large tagine or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken, skin-side down, until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, ginger, and paprika, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release the flavors.

Combine Ingredients

Add the chicken back to the pot, along with the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chickpeas, and dried apricots. Bring to a simmer.

Slow Cook

Cover and reduce heat to low, allowing the tagine to cook for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.

Serve

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with couscous or bread.

Enjoy this flavorful Moroccan dish!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken with spices and olive oil a few hours in advance. Additionally, feel free to substitute the apricots with dried figs or raisins for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When browning the chicken, it’s crucial to ensure your pan is adequately heated before adding them. If they stick, the pan isn't hot enough, which can lead to steaming instead of browning. Aim for a medium to high heat, which allows the skin to turn golden and crispy, adding to the overall flavor here. If you find the skin isn't getting as crispy as you'd like, consider searing the chicken in batches rather than overcrowding the pot.

For variations in consistency or if your sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to help it thicken up. This flexibility in sauce texture allows you to tailor the dish further to your preferences.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavors further, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. The acidity will brighten the dish and complement the rich spices beautifully. Alternatively, a sprinkle of toasted almonds can offer a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the chicken and chickpeas.

Don't hesitate to personalize the vegetable content in the tagine. Carrots, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be added for additional nutrition. Just remember to chop vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly, and consider adding them during the last 15-20 minutes of the cooking time to ensure they retain some bite without becoming mushy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used; however, they may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I serve with Tagine?

Couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad complement the dish well.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.