How to Make Moroccan Chicken Tajine (Tagine)

Why Make This Recipe

Moroccan Chicken Tajine is a flavorful dish that brings the essence of Moroccan cuisine right into your kitchen. This recipe is not only delicious but also offers a unique combination of spices and ingredients that you might not find in everyday cooking. If you’re looking to explore new flavors, this tajine recipe is a perfect choice. For those who are interested in other easy chicken recipes, consider checking out the 3-ingredient keto chicken nuggets.

How to Make Moroccan Chicken Tajine

Making Moroccan Chicken Tajine is quite simple if you follow these steps:

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced thinly
  • 4-6 chicken thighs, skin on & bone in
  • 1 tbsp parsley, minced
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, minced
  • 5-6 strands saffron (optional), bloomed with an ice cube for 15 minutes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 preserved lemon, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup green olives
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Couscous or Moroccan bread (khobz) to serve with

Directions

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and prepping all ingredients: mince the garlic, onion, preserved lemon, cilantro, and parsley.
  2. Add half of the olive oil, along with all of the garlic and onion, to the base of the tajine. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Turn off the heat and carefully arrange the chicken in the tajine over the onions. Sprinkle with parsley, cilantro, the rest of the olive oil, bloomed saffron, salt, pepper, ginger, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Mix well with your hands until the chicken is coated with all the spices.
  4. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly around the base of your tajine. Arrange the sliced preserved lemon and olives on top. Drizzle with water, cover, and bake for 1 hour (or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees), checking every 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the tajine from the oven. Set the temperature to broil and, using tongs, move the chicken to a baking sheet, leaving behind the sauce, olives, and preserved lemons. Broil the chicken, skin side up, for 5 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

How to Serve Moroccan Chicken Tajine

Serve Moroccan Chicken Tajine with couscous or Moroccan bread (khobz) to soak up the delicious sauce. This meal is perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or special occasions.

How to Store Moroccan Chicken Tajine

If you have leftovers, let the tajine cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Tips to Make Moroccan Chicken Tajine

  • If you can, use fresh spices for a more intense flavor.
  • For added depth, try incorporating vegetables like carrots or bell peppers into the tajine.
  • Adjust the spices to your preference—feel free to experiment with more or less depending on your taste.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and chickpeas. The cooking process remains the same, and you can still enjoy the wonderful Moroccan spices.

FAQs

1. What is a tajine?
A tajine is a North African cooking vessel made from clay that allows for slow cooking, resulting in tender meats and deeply infused flavors.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Moroccan Chicken Tajine can be made ahead of time, and the flavors will actually improve as it sits.

3. Is Moroccan Chicken Tajine spicy?
It is mildly spicy, primarily from the spices used, but you can adjust the heat level based on your personal preference.

Conclusion

Moroccan Chicken Tajine is a delightful dish that elevates any dining experience. If you’re eager to learn more about other Moroccan dishes, you might want to explore how to make Moroccan chicken tagine for additional insights and tips. Enjoy your cooking!

Print
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Moroccan Chicken Tajine


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  • Author: make-recipe
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

A flavorful Moroccan dish featuring tender chicken and aromatic spices, perfect for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced thinly
  • 46 chicken thighs, skin on & bone in
  • 1 tbsp parsley, minced
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, minced
  • 56 strands saffron (optional), bloomed with an ice cube for 15 minutes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp ginger
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 1 preserved lemon, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup green olives
  • 2 tbsp water
  • Couscous or Moroccan bread (khobz) to serve

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and prep all ingredients: mince the garlic, onion, preserved lemon, cilantro, and parsley.
  2. Add half of the olive oil, along with all of the garlic and onion, to the base of the tajine. Sauté over medium heat until the onions become translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Turn off the heat and carefully arrange the chicken in the tajine over the onions. Sprinkle with parsley, cilantro, the rest of the olive oil, bloomed saffron, salt, pepper, ginger, paprika, cumin, and turmeric. Mix well with your hands until the chicken is coated with all the spices.
  4. Spread the seasoned chicken evenly around the base of your tajine. Arrange the sliced preserved lemon and olives on top. Drizzle with water, cover, and bake for 1 hour (or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees), checking every 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the tajine from the oven. Set the temperature to broil and, using tongs, move the chicken to a baking sheet, leaving behind the sauce, olives, and preserved lemons. Broil the chicken, skin side up, for 5 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve with couscous or Moroccan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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